The Patriarchal Roles Of Women In The Tang And Song Eras

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The patriarchal mindset in China for thousands of years has remained and intensified in the Tang and Song eras. In all social classes, the household was run by a patriarch and the role was passed on to the eldest son. The burden of providing for the family and making all the decisions remained in the hands of men whereas women had the burden of becoming a homemaker and mother, and particularly the bearer of sons to continue to the patrilineal family line. Such gender roles were reinforced by neo-Confucian ideals which promoted the male hierarchy. Specifically, upper-class women had freedom to pursue different activities and even professions beyond homemaking. In addition, women of high status could take on “complementary husbands” with permission.