Chinese Culture & Society Chapter 16 Section 2

Awards 1) Best Haircut 2) Most likely to spend a day at the Zoo 3) Bad Behavior 4) Least likely to wear an “I love Genghis Khan” T-shirt 5) Noble Peace Prize 6) Least likely to visit the Big Ben in London 7) Most likely to be friends with Christopher Columbus on Facebook 8) Most likely to wear an “I love Beijing” T-shirt Options Ming Hong Wu, Long Le, Zheng He, Portuguese Citizen, Christian Missionary, Manchu, Kangxi, QianLong, Li ZiCheng, Lord George McCartney

Best Haircut

Spend a Day at the Zoo Award

Bad behavior Award

“I love Genghis Khan” T-shirt

Noble Peace Prize

Least likely to visit Big Ben Award

Friends with Columbus on Facebook

Wearing an “I love Beijing” shirt

Economic Changes Get your farm on! Between 1500-1800 China was mostly an agrarian society meaning that they focused on agriculture. 85% of the population was involved in farming.

Population Explosion Chinese population tripled in size from 80 in 1390 to 300 million by the end of the 1700s! HOW?!  Peace and stability under Qing Improvements in food supply (faster growing species of rice)

Land Population growth meant that there was less land available for each family Imperial court tried to limit amount wealthy landowners could hold, but… By 18th century all land that could be farmed was already being used for farming Land shortages eventually led to revolts and uprisings

Chinese Economy Steady growth in manufacturing and increased trade between provinces due to peace/prosperity silk, porcelain, cotton Did not develop Commercial Capitalism – private businesses based on making profits—that emerged in Europe Merchants and manufacturers were not as independent because under control of government. Many looked down at trade as inferior to farming. Government charged heavy taxes on manufacturers.

The Chinese Family

The Family Heavy emphasis on family relationships rooted in Confucius ideals Family expected to provide for members’ needs: education of children, support of unmarried daughters, care of elderly Individuals expected to sacrifice desires for benefit of the family as a whole. Extended families – 3 or 4 generations living in one house. Beyond the extended family was the clan– dozens, sometimes even hundreds of related family members. Made it possible for wealthy families to help those in need.

Cultural Developments Books were very popular for those that could read them in the Ming & Qing dynasties Outpouring of artistic brilliance during both reigns

The Chinese Novel New form of literature popular among wealthy urban dwellers. Most popular: The Golden Lotus – first realistic social novel. The corrupt life of a wealthy landlord who manipulates all around him for sex, $, and power =O The Dream of the Red Chamber – Most popular novel about the tragic love to two young people caught in financial and moral disintegration of powerful Chinese clan

Architecture Art Imperial City Blue and white porcelain during Ming Built in 1406 by Yong Le, but later emperors continued to add Complex of palaces and temples Maze of private apartments and offices Stately halls for audiences and banquets Gardens At first off limits to commoners ”Forbidden City” Surrounded by 10.5 km of walls Art Blue and white porcelain during Ming Admired and collected by Europeans

The Role of Women

Role of Women Viewed as inferior to men in Chinese society. Played strong role within family, but had few rights in society Only males could receive formal education and pursue jobs in the government or as scholars Could not legally divorce husband or inherit property. Husband could divorce wife if she did not provide him sons and could also take a second wife.

Footbinding Practice that also limited mobility of women Began by wealthy class and later adopted by rest (status symbol) Considered to be more “marriageable” ½ to 2/3 of women in China bound their feet Painful process began in childhood Could not walk, had to be carried Not adopted by women who worked in field or had occupation that required mobility WHY do you think this was a “status symbol”? More on this tomorrow…..