Women in Maos China

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Women in Mao’s China- What was life like prior to 1949?

Traditional views

  • China was a patriarchal (male dominated) society.
  • Obedience to authority was expected of all citizens.
  • This idea stemmed from Confucius.
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  • The three rules which brought about harmony according to Confucius.
  1. Loyalty of ministers to the Emperor
  2. Respect of children for their parents
  3. Obedience of wives to their husbands

What did this mean?

  • As daughters women owed obedience to their fathers.
  • As wives and widows they owed obedience to their husbands, eldest sons and even brothers-in-law.
  • It had become traditional for women to be discriminated against.

Arranged marriages

  • Arranged marriages were common.
  • Families would pay a dowry to the man’s family.
  • Rich men would also keep ...

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