As in many cultures, women in Chinese society held less power than men and were often subjected to male constructed roles, behaviors and duties. In Ancient China the Book of Songs and the Book of Changes were fundamental texts helping define the role of women in Chinese society for centuries. In the Book of Songs reinforces the virtues that make an "admirable lady": "It will be theirs neither to do wrong nor to do good, / Only about the spirits and the food will they have to think" (Ebrey 73). In the Book of Changes various roles and duties revolving around domestic pursuits are also established, "In her central place, she attends to the preparation of the food" (Ebrey 73). Women in early and late Imperial China often adhered to the three submissions: submission to parents; submission to husband; and as a widow submission to her son (Ebrey 73). Despite this marginalized position in society compared to men, many women in Imperial China were able to make their names known and exhibit considerable influence over others to achieve their own ambitions.
In Late Imperial China, women gained more power and control in Chinese society. One significant development leading to this increased power was the emergence of successful female authors, while another was the ability of some women to leverage filial piety in order to exert considerable influence over their adult sons. This paper will examine why and through what means the social status of women was enhanced during Late Imperial China. A conclusion will address the significance of this change in women's status for modern China.
While vile practices against women like slavery and foot-binding continued to occur in Late Imperial China, including the Song, Ming and Qing Dynasties; women's reaction to these abuses began to change. This practice of having the feet of girls five to eight tightly bound until their toes curled under and the heel and arch compre...