Han Dynasty and Society Unit 5 - China Han Dynasty and Society

Han Dynasty Government 206 BCE, Liu Bang, a common peasant, receives the Mandate of Heaven, and begins the Han Dynasty. 2. 140 BCE, under Emperor Wudi, Confucianism becomes the official government philosophy. Government officials were expected to practice Confucianism. Universities were built to teach Confucianism. Only boys could attend. If a person passed an exam on Confucianism ideas, HE could receive a good position in the government.

Social Hierarchy Based on the Confucian system, people were divided into four classes. 1. Emperor, his family, his court and scholars were held government positions. 2. Peasants (90% of population) 3. Artisans 4. Merchants ***Military was not an official caste, but a part of government officials for hardworking men*** The classes on divided people into social rank. It did not indicate wealth or power. Confucian ideas rewarded hard-working behavior and people with skills…it shows who were more respected than others. Merchants only bought and sold stuff…that is why they are low.

Revival of the Family Since Confucianism was the official philosophy of Wudi’s reign, Confucian teachings about family were also honored. Fathers were the head of family and had absolute power…woman’s duty to obey her husband…children’s duty to obey their father. Children served and honored their parents, honored their ancestors with ceremonies & offerings, and take care of the family burial sites. Men could gain a government position based on the honor and respect shown to their parents. Boys were valued over girls – boys carried on the family name and were able to take care of aging parents. Girls became a part of their husband’s family. Some women could gain power, influence their son’s family and even be leaders in the family.

China Today China has a One-Child Policy. Introduced in 1979 to alleviate social, economic, and environmental problems in China. Exemptions – Rural families can have a second child if the first child is a girl or is disabled. Ethnic minorities (Non-Chinese) are exempt. Families in which neither parent has siblings are also allowed to have two children. Residents of Hong Kong and Macau, and foreigners living in China are also exempt from the policy. In 2007, approximately 35.9% of China's population was subject to a one-child restriction. November 2013, the Chinese government further relaxed the policy by allowing families to have two children if one of the parents is an only child.

China Today China, like many other Asian countries, has a long tradition of son preference. Why? sons in rural (agricultural) families may be thought to be more helpful in farm work. Both rural and urban populations have old-ways of thinking of Confucianism, to prefer sons over daughters. Why? Sons will probably have a better job and make and control money and be able to support the parents in their retirement, and a son's parents typically are better cared for than his wife's. In addition, Chinese tradition holds that daughters, on their marriage, become primarily part of the groom's family.

China Today Education is an emphasis in many Asian countries. Scores in math, reading and science posted by 15-year-olds in the United States are low (15th is the best) compared to Asian countries which are at the top. Shanghai, China, took the top slot in all three subjects. The Chinese province catapulted to the top after focusing on teacher preparation and investing in its most challenging classrooms, among other things.

China Today – Confucianism is the 6th largest religion today – 6 China Today – Confucianism is the 6th largest religion today – 6.5 million followers!

How did the Han Dynasty affect China? How was society structured during the Han dynasty? How was government structured during the Han dynasty? Impact on modern times?

Documentary: Family Life in Han China Directions: Working in small groups, prepare a script for a documentary film that focuses on society in Han China. Present information about: family duties and the roles of fathers, wives, and children as well as education, jobs and the government.

Writing Resumes Directions: You will be writing a resume for an imaginary person seeking a job with the Han government. Provide details in the resume regarding the person’s education, family connections and values (how they treat their family) and other qualifications important to the Han. Refer back to the information that discusses the necessary qualification for obtaining a positions in the Han government.

Family Funeral Vault/Temple Directions: Since the Qin Dynasty destroyed your families funeral vault/temple, you have been chosen from your entire family to design a new funeral vault for your ancestors and future family members. This vault/temple must accommodate hundreds of people. It is very important you show the proper honor & respect for the founding members of your family. Vault/Temple: a special spot for the founding member of your family. Who was this individual? What was their family values? A special spot for a future family member who should be honored. What will make this person special? What should their family values look like? What role will they need to have among fathers, wives, children? Describe the education needed and their role necessary in the government and job force.