Women in traditional Chinese society had little autonomy or choice. They were expected to remain uneducated and focus solely on domestic duties like cooking, cleaning, and pleasing their future husbands. Many young girls underwent foot binding, a painful practice that caused lifelong disabilities but was considered beautiful by men. Women were then married off without consent, often only meeting their husband on the wedding day, and became slaves to their new family. They faced abuse if they failed to produce male heirs and suicide was common way to escape the oppressive system.

1. Women in Patriarchal
Societies
CHINA

2. Women were Not Allowed an Education
 Young girls were to stay home to cook and clean all
day every day.
 This was considered “Training” to please her
husband and be a good mother to their children.
 Women were “Objects”.

3. Foot Binding
 An erotic fetish for men.
 Young girls mother would manually implement this
procedure.
 Causing the feet to be no longer than 3 inches.
 Toes wrapped forcefully under the foot.
 Arch of foot brought up to stop natural lengthening
growth.

11. Long Term Effects of Binding
 Could not obtain balance.
 Could not squat down.
 Could not stand up properly.
 Cut off blood circulation.
 Many girls/women died due to infections.

12. Sold to The Wealthiest Family
 Initial trades from a family of jewelry, silks, and
personal items to show interest in future daughter-
in-law.
 If items were accepted...
 Money and land were given to the woman's family
for trade before wedding.
 Her birth family did this to make themselves
wealthier.

13. Was Told that She is to Be Married.

14. No Choice
 Parents chose for their daughter.
 The young woman did not see the face of or hear the
voice of her future husband until the wedding
ceremony.
 She did not formally meet him until later that night.

15. Slave
 The young woman is now a slave to her husband and
his family.
 She no longer has contact with her original family.
 She no longer goes by her birth name.
 She now has a new name chosen by her new family
for her.

16. Slave cont.
 She is now to cook, clean, and wait hand and foot to
please her new husband and his mother.
 She is to have children immediately.
 The new family wants male grandchildren to keep
their place in society.
 The young woman is treated worse than before if she
gives birth to female children.

17. Escape
 Women feel that they have no way out of this life
they did not choose.
 Suicide was very common.
 Hanging was most commonly done.
 This was the only answer, the only way out.

18. Contemplation

19. Suicide cont.
 No Protection if her husband died.
 She was not allowed to get re-married.
 She was susceptible to rape.
 She would take her own life to get away from the
possibilities.

20. China End