by 
Robecchi, Michele; 
Lucas, Sarah

Supercontemporary, 2007 

The Three Obediences and the Four Virtues describe precepts for womanly behavior that derive from Confucian ideals of harmony and order. The first century CE book Lessons for Women states that the proper role of a woman is to be a submissive daughter, wife, and mother who restrains her speech, dresses in a pleasing manner, and manages her household.

The role and function of women in Chinese society has long been defined by the Confucian moral precept of the Three Obediences, or Submissions, and the Four Virtues. The Three Obediences seek to give stricture to the entirety of a woman’s existence, and accordingly state that the woman, in her youth, should be obedient to her father and her older brothers; in married life, she should be obedient to her husband; and as a widow she should be obedient to her son. The Four Virtues, on the other hand, impart rules of propriety, whereby a woman may be able to govern her life and her conduct. The first virtue is the ability of a woman to know and adhere to a submissive place in society and to modulate her behavior accordingly. The second virtue consists of restraining speech, since a talkative woman is not only considered impolite but even tiresome. The third virtue instructs a woman to dress and adorn herself in order to please a man. The last virtue states that a woman must know the proper management of her household and she must cheerfully do all the work needed in the home.

Reference List

DASS，N. (2010) Three Obediences and the Four Virtues . At:https://www.berkshirepublishing.com/chinaconnectu/2012/01/23/three-obediences-and-the-four-virtues-sancong-side-%E4%B8%89%E4%BB%8E%E5%9B%9B%E5%BE%B7sancong-side-%E4%B8%89%E4%BB%8E%E5%9B%9B%E5%BE%B7-three-obediences-and-the-four-virtues/ (Accessed 19/08/2023). 

But they are also suffering widespread gender violence and discrimination, as well as oppressive gender norms legitimised by both the culture and authority. While women, especially young women have embraced feminist movements in their quest for social transformation, China’s traditional gender power structure remains stubborn with implicit support from a powerful government. However, this patriarchy is also facing a crisis as more and more women are consciously making autonomous decisions about their lives.

Reference List

Lu,P.(2010) Gender Inequality and the Ultimate Resistance of Women in China. At:https://disruptiveasia.asiasociety.org/gender-inequality-and-the-ultimate-resistance-of-women-in-china (Accessed 20/08/2023).