What Is The Competition Between Male Aristocrats

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The life of a male aristocrat at court revolved around the public sphere. Being linked to this sphere meant a male aristocrat became fixated on the maintenance and enhancement of his status and prestige. As Hurst (2007: 85) states: “The competition for office and rank was fierce at the Heian court as one’s entire social, political, and economic life depended upon the place one occupied in this highly stratified society.” This competition that ensued between different male aristocrats was important because they became a highly sensitive towards their status at court. In particular, within this competitive struggle, male aristocrats constantly focused on achieving strategic advantages to outmanoeuvre their peers. Though there are several tactics