Chinese Society and Culture

16.2

Mostly an agricultural society 85% = small farmers China experienced an extreme population

increase◦ Improvements in food supply (faster growing rice)◦ Less land available = unrest and revolt

Growth in trade and manufacturing◦ Silk, porcelain, cotton goods

Gov’t controlled TR&MF and discouraged it

Economic Activities

Society organized around the family◦ Based on Confucian ideals

Family expected to provide for members needs.◦ Education of children, support unmarried

daughters, care for elderly◦ Needs of family above individual desires

3-4 generations often lived under same roof

Family Life

Considered inferior to men◦ Only men could obtain formal education◦ Career in gov’t or scholarship

Could not divorce husband Husbands expected to provide for wife Footbinding – feet bound together at an

early age. Considered attractive by men. More marriageable. Adopted by all classes of women.

Role of Women

Literature evolved in Chinese society The Golden Lotus

◦ Corrupt life of wealthy landlord in the late Ming Period who manipulates those around him.

The Dream of the Red Chamber◦ Most distinguished popular novel. Tragic love of

two young people. Cao Xuegin

Chinese Literature

Outpouring of artistic brilliance Architecture

◦ Imperial City (Forbidden City). Complex of palaces & Temples.

Decorative Arts◦ Porcelain Structures. Europeans admired &

collected these items.

Ming/Qing Art

Commercial Capitalism: Private business based off profit.

Clan: Extended family – dozens, even hundreds of related families.

Porcelain: blue & white. Most famous of all the arts.

Key Terms