Change over Time in Postclassical China Essay Sample

Chinese literature exams earned students the coveted jinshi title, ensuring their family's prosperity with access to prestigious positions. A successful outcome in these tests also granted campaigners "special societal status" and exemption from material penalties. Additionally, they had access to material comfort and the refined pleasure enjoyed by the elite, while being allowed to wear certain distinctive types of attire.

Despite the value placed on virtue and aspiration, birth and household influence held greater importance. Even during the Song dynasty, Confucian thought continued to regain prominence and have a significant impact, particularly on the government.

Not only did the Song dynasty focus on intellectual pursuits, but they also placed value on mundane life. Additionally, new academies dedicated solely to studying classical texts and unique libraries were established. Zhu Xi, a prominent figure of the Song era, is particularly renowned.

Zhu Xi and other Neo-Confucians stressed the importance of utilizing philosophical principles in daily activities.

The Neo-Confucians revived the traditional teachings of Confucianism, with an aim to refine personal ethics considered as humanity's ultimate goal. They believed that moral excellence can be achieved through not just studying books but also interacting with virtuous and knowledgeable individuals. This interaction enhances innate goodness and helps develop better leaders and mentors.

Neo-Confucianism had a profound influence on the rational lifestyle of Chinese dynasties after the Song era. However, this philosophical system also fostered negative attitudes towards foreign ideas, leading rulers to close themselves off from external influences. Ultimately, this emphasis on tradition inhibited innovation and critical thinking among the Chinese elite. The emphasis on social status was another factor in suppressing new ideas.

The strengthening of the category of age among neo-Confucians is

attributed to the emphasis on duty, respect, and traditional rites.

Neo-Confucians held the belief that maintaining gender distinctions and adhering to societal roles based on age would lead to a prosperous and harmonious society. They also believed that past experiences were the most reliable guide to navigating future uncertainty. Drawing upon historical examples was seen as the best solution to any problem by Neo-Confucians.

During the Tang and Song dynasties, Confucianism was promoted, with a greater emphasis on the latter. The societal status of women in post-classical China underwent changes, as their position improved in the Tang dynasty but declined steadily in the Song dynasty. These shifts occurred within society.

Although it was evident that women, particularly those of the upper class living in urban areas, remained subordinate to men, there were opportunities for personal growth during the Tang and early Song periods. Tang women, in particular, were sometimes able to exert significant influence in high levels of Chinese society. They had access to numerous activities and career paths. Additionally, both Tang and Song laws permitted divorce if mutually agreed upon by both the husband and wife.

During the mid-late Song dynasty, there existed numerous Torahs that safeguarded the rights of adult females. These included regulations that prohibited a husband from discarding his wife if her parents were deceased or if he had been poor at the time of their marriage and later became wealthy. Additionally, during those times, women enjoyed a significant level of independence, especially as neo-Confucianism emerged as a dominant ideology.

The significance of women's responsibilities as a homemaker and mother was stressed, with their main obligation being to give birth to male descendants in order to

maintain the patrilineal family lineage. On the other hand, men were permitted to participate in sexual activities before marriage without facing any disgrace.

To take low-cost courtesans and remarry in case of the death of one or more wives was allowed. However, Neo-Confucians criticized Buddhism for encouraging women to pursue options such as a cloistered life and scholarship, while neglecting marriage and raising a family. Laws that favored men were introduced, and women were excluded from education that would have enabled them to participate in civil service and attain influential political positions. The practice of foot binding is a clear indication of the constraints and subordination experienced by women.

Small feet were a sign of wealth and beauty in the Tang and Song Dynasties. However, due to its restriction on mobility, only the wealthy could afford to adopt this tradition. The practice of binding feet caused continuous discomfort and made walking even short distances challenging. Consequently, women were unable to engage in commercial activities beyond their "family compound," such as fabric manufacturing.

Confucianism experienced a resurgence in the Song Dynasty, surpassing its prevalence during the Tang Dynasty. Although women enjoyed significant societal status in the Tang period, their influence waned throughout the Song era.

Throughout the Tang and Song dynasties, China experienced both continuity and transformation in its political and social spheres.