Similarities Between Tang And Song Dynasties

Han, Tang, and Song Patriarchies Patriarchies are an important continuity throughout the history of the world. Every society in history had some sort of patriarchy. However, no two patriarchies were ever exactly the same. Patriarchies and the gender roles that came with them varied from civilization to civilization, and they were influenced by different aspects of culture. One important aspect is religion. This difference of religious beliefs influencing patriarchy is prominent in China. Although the Han, Tang, and Song dynasties of China all had a patriarchy based off of religion, the Han and Song dynasties were based off of Confucianism while the Tang dynasty was influenced by Buddhism. The Han dynasty unified China after the fall of the

Confucianism became the main belief of the people. This religion got its views of women from the past because Confucius viewed women the way people did as he was growing up. This new religion brought a harsh patriarchy and strict gender roles. Yin and Yang was a popular ideology at the time. Yang was masculine and associated with heaven, rulers, and strength. Yin was feminine, associated with earth, subjects, and weakness. Men were better educated than women, who seemed to be to overrun with emotion. Thus, it was stated that men should hold political power and go out in public. Women were expected to stay in the house and provide for the family. Men were considered the “core” of the family. Women had to follow a set of “three Obediences.” These obediences told women to be subordinate to her father, husband, and sons. This fit in with yin and yang because yin always followed yang, and a women should always follow her man. When a daughter was born, she was raised to be obedient to men. However, not all women lived this way. Elite women occasionally had political power, which caused much backlash

During this time, Buddhism and Daoism entered China, and nomads from the north also entered the region. These combined forces led to declining patriarchy. Nomadic women were not treated strictly by their men, influencing the people of China. Women of Tang China could be seen handling political affairs, playing sports, and wearing men’s clothing. Confucian minded males were opposed to this fair treatment of women. Another aspect of a weakened patriarchy was the rule of Empress Wu. She was supported by the Buddhist community, and tried very hard to promote the rights of women. Her period of power was short, and China has had no other female ruler since her. Buddhism and Daoism were two important faiths for women. Buddhism became the main faith of women in China, and they practiced the Mahayana form of Buddhism. To follow the religion, some women left their homes but still took part in family life. This improved their image in the family. Daoism was also supportive of women. Dao was pictured as a mother, and women could be priests. Buddhist and Daoist goddesses became popular among villagers. Not only were they important to religion, but women were also important economically. Tang women were important to the increasing silk trade along the Silk Road. They did not trade it, but they did produce it. Chinese homes were the main production area of silk. Elite women were