Classical Chinese Gender and Social Relations The importance of family ties in early Chinese society.

Family/ Extended Family Family was the center of early Chinese society: a.) Considered more important than the individual or nation. b.)A person’s first responsibility was to the family. c.) It was the source of each person’s well-being. Chinese households might contain 5 generations living together at one time. (Uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents, sisters, brothers, etc.)=EXTENDED FAMILY

He was the center of authority in the family: Oldest Chinese Male He was the center of authority in the family: Had the most privileges and the most power in the family. Would decide who his children and grandchildren would marry. Punished disrespectful children. If oldest male died, his lands were divided among the sons who would start their own household.

Chinese Women Considered to be of lower status than men Bound to three obediences… 1.) to obey their fathers in youth 2.) to obey their husbands in marriage 3.)to obey their sons in widowhood (if their husband dies) Four virtues guided women’s behavior… 1.) morality 2.) modesty 3.) proper speech 4.) domestic skills

Family Names In Chinese society, the family name comes first... Ex.) George Washington would be Washington George in China) What would your name be if you lived in China? THIS SHOWS HOW IMPORTANT THE FAMILY WAS IN CHINA! This tradition dates back to China’s earliest times.

What factors determined a person’s status within early Chinese families? The status of each person depended on his or her AGE and SEX.

What was at the center of early Chinese society- considered to be more important than the individual OR the nation?!?!

THE FAMILY!