1. Chinese Family & Society

2. Confucian Values Confucian values governed all aspects of life in China. The family was organized into a strict hierarchy with the father or oldest male being dominant, followed by the younger males. The mother came in the hierarchy before the daughters, followed by the successively younger females.

3. Relationships Strict rules governed all relationships in the family. Each family member knew his/her place & understood his/her duties. Each family member expected obedience from those further down in the hierarchy, & each respected those above. Each person was careful not to bring dishonor on the family by failing in those duties. The father had absolute control over the lives of all family members, including careers & marriages.

4. Status of Women Confucius valued girls much less than boys. Daughters left home to become part of her husband’s family as soon as she married. Women spent their lives being subservient to men. Foot binding- a status symbol of success, a social control, & considered more desirable for marriage.

5. Social Structure The Emperor & his court were at the top of society. The Gentry- landholders’ wealth was generally limited, because all sons received land when the property was divided. Peasants & Artisans- paid rent to the landowner. They paid taxes & had to work one month a year on public works projects. Merchants- despite the great wealth some merchants accumulated, Chinese society generally held them in contempt.

6. Government & Literature Civil service candidates had to master a collection of Confucian writings which were thought to carry solutions to most social & political problems. Exams were given at every level of government. If a student performed well on the exam, he would go on to the next level. The civil service system provided opportunities for social advancement– some poor but talented individuals did rise to positions of power & influence.