Essay On The Role Of Women In Chinese History

1655 Words4 Pages

Introduction Since ancient times, women was described as men’s accessories. Theoretically, women represent ying and men represent yang. In Daoism, women were believed to have lower positions than man in the hierarchical order of the universe. Since women are borned, the tradition is to keep them away from society. The concept of “Women, Marriage and Family” were taught by their family since they were young. However, during the old days, women did allow some decision making, within the family meeting, for example, position a role of leadership as wife in assisting her husband in family matter. Nonetheless, there are some characters and stories which describe the importance of women in Chinese History. Women have big contributions towards productivity, …show more content…

Before she married, she have to obey her father and brother. Once married, she have to give authority to her husband and also her father-in- law. These contrast shows women occupied different position in differences perspectives.

Women play an important role in Chinese History. There were some examples of successful women in Chinese history inspiring women to change their status. For example, Ban Zhao and Wu Zetian were famous historical characters which change men perspective towards women (Cartwright, 2017). Ban Zhao (45 - 116 AD) was a female historian which famous with her works “Lesson for Women”. The book appeal the education of women education. Beside that, Wu Zetian (624 - 705 AD) shows her political and military leadership in managing the empire.

As a conclusion, women do not occupy with a lower status than man in Chinese History. Women, in fact, contributed to the growth of Chinese history in politics, education, military and economic aspects. Women have the abilities and qualities as men do not encounter which make a better …show more content…

They protect and fight for their countries. This feminism process started to accept by the society. For example, Hao Fu is the first women general who appeared about 3200 years ago. One oracle engraving on animal bones characterize her as a commander of 13000 soldiers. In the inscription, it was shown that important generals such as Zhi and Hao Gao were under her command. Many weapons such as axes was found from her tomb. Beside that, the King Wu Ding very believe in Fu Hao. He instructed Fu Hao to conduct sacrifice ritual and festivals. After Fu Hao died, the King constructed a tomb for her using royal cemetery to remember her sacrifices for the country.

The story “beat battle drum at Golden Mountain” indicates the involvement of Chinese women in national self-defence. Qin Liangyu is the lady which known for fighting with her husband in many battles. In Gold Mountain battle, Qin used flag and drum sound to guide the army. She was brave thus not afraid of the enemies. She helps hundred thousands refugees to settle down and promote food production. More importantly, Qin Liangyu, as a role model of Chinese women, reflects the strength and powerfulness of Chinese women soldiers in

Open Document