Confucianism is a social ideology developed by the Chinese scholar and teacher Confucius (ca 551-479 B.C.). It is a worldview, a social ethic, a political ideology, a scholarly tradition, and a way of life (Welming, 1). The Confucian ideology focused on piety, humaneness, ritual, and support for the hierarchy (Westergard, 2). Although there were writings of Confucianism as early as the 4 century, it rose to dominance in the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E-220 C.E.). Reigning for more than 400 years with a brief interruption of the Xin dynasty (9-25 C.E.), it was undoubtedly one of the most successful dynasties in Ancient China. Throughout the dynasty, Confucianism was clearly evident. Confucianism was distinct in the governing ways, for the Confucian
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Finally, Confucianism also emphasized ethical and moral behavior in everyday life of everybody (Ruggiero, 12), and presented gender roles and expectation that were to be followed throughout the dynasty. The extent of the impact of Confucianism on the Han Dynasty remains unclear.
The government was a major outlet for Confucianism to be spread. The Emperor was convinced that Confucianism could be used to legitimize and consolidate the imperial rule (Yang, 24). One of such ways was the use of rituals. Rituals became increasingly important in governing behavior, defining social relationships, and adjudicating civil disputes (Welming, 1). They were used to govern officials dependance on aggression to rectify disputes. It, therefore, seems …show more content…
The main purpose of being a male was to be as good of a man as possible, and unlike any other civilization, there was no reward for being good (Ruggiero, 76). This ideal character, the gentleman, is generous and fair, considers what is right, and trusts injustice (Ruggiero, 79). As a result, the society was more peaceful and respectful, which provided continuity. Being a gentleman requires a lot of hard work and effort. “Gentlemen’s burden is heavy and the road came to an end only with death.” (Ruggiero, 77). However, it is unclear to what extent did men practice these values, although it is clear that men were seen as the more dominant gender. On the other hand, women, as common in a number of other ancient civilizations, were at the bottom of the Confucian hierarchy (Richey, 1), with the exception of empresses. As stated by the Three Submissions defined by Confucianism, when a woman is not married, she is to obey her father, when a woman is married, she is to obey her husband, and when she is widowed, she is to obey her son (Keating, 3). These expectations are met for it is clearly demonstrated in one of the traditions in the Han Dynasty. While a newborn male is placed in a bed, a newborn girl must be placed under the bed in order to signify her submission and role in society (Zhao, 1). This limited women’s potential in the society. Nonetheless, women still seem to
Finally, Confucianism also emphasized ethical and moral behavior in everyday life of everybody (Ruggiero, 12), and presented gender roles and expectation that were to be followed throughout the dynasty. The extent of the impact of Confucianism on the Han Dynasty remains unclear.
The government was a major outlet for Confucianism to be spread. The Emperor was convinced that Confucianism could be used to legitimize and consolidate the imperial rule (Yang, 24). One of such ways was the use of rituals. Rituals became increasingly important in governing behavior, defining social relationships, and adjudicating civil disputes (Welming, 1). They were used to govern officials dependance on aggression to rectify disputes. It, therefore, seems …show more content…
The main purpose of being a male was to be as good of a man as possible, and unlike any other civilization, there was no reward for being good (Ruggiero, 76). This ideal character, the gentleman, is generous and fair, considers what is right, and trusts injustice (Ruggiero, 79). As a result, the society was more peaceful and respectful, which provided continuity. Being a gentleman requires a lot of hard work and effort. “Gentlemen’s burden is heavy and the road came to an end only with death.” (Ruggiero, 77). However, it is unclear to what extent did men practice these values, although it is clear that men were seen as the more dominant gender. On the other hand, women, as common in a number of other ancient civilizations, were at the bottom of the Confucian hierarchy (Richey, 1), with the exception of empresses. As stated by the Three Submissions defined by Confucianism, when a woman is not married, she is to obey her father, when a woman is married, she is to obey her husband, and when she is widowed, she is to obey her son (Keating, 3). These expectations are met for it is clearly demonstrated in one of the traditions in the Han Dynasty. While a newborn male is placed in a bed, a newborn girl must be placed under the bed in order to signify her submission and role in society (Zhao, 1). This limited women’s potential in the society. Nonetheless, women still seem to