Late Imperial Family Analysis

The concept of family in most rural societies is typically that of being very traditional and very conservative. Rural life in late imperial China was no exception. Combining the traditional elements of familial piety with the teachings of Confucianism, rural life in late imperial China was simple and yet ever so complex. In order to maintain control of both public and private life, society in late imperial China sought to incorporate Confucian ethics into state laws. The roles of each particular family member was meticulously calculated with the fullest intention of maintaining harmony within the family. Anyone seen as abdicating from these duties was seen as disrespectful and chastised for bringing shame to the family.
The relationship between …show more content…
Often times the result was suffering on behalf of the entire household. The ideal Confucian ethics for the “Superior Man” was tantamount to ensuring that young men at an early age would become prosperous and fair. These local laws sought to instill discipline by teaching them early on the lessons of Confucius as well as instructing them on the values of hard work. The goal was to raise enterprising young men who, in the event that they would take office, understood the plight of the working class. If they did not find government jobs than they at least were raised with good values, humble demeanor and viewing themselves as no higher than their contemporaries. Confucian ethics detested the role of women and as a result many, if not all, local laws sought to galvanize male dominance over women. By way of integration, these ethical views push men into believing themselves as being on a higher plane than women. The local laws exacerbate these ethical standpoints further by having husbands enforce the idea that women were second class citizens. These laws ranged from petty, such as ignoring their wives, to cruel, taking on concubines to continue the