16.2. mostly an agricultural society 85% = small farmers china experienced an extreme population...
TRANSCRIPT
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