Women's lives in the Song dynasty

What were women's lives like during the Song dynasty? As in most societies until quite recently, Song women were not regarded as fully equal to men. It was expected that most women would devote their energies to nurturing their families rather than pursuing activities outside the home. Still, in the process of caring for their families, women were involved in many facets of Song society. Their participation differed in accordance with their social position.

Upper-Class Women

Girls and women in the upper classes had fathers and husbands who were, or who hoped to become, officials. Learning was important in these families, since to become an official a man needed to be well educated. Although women could not become government workers, many families thought it was important for women to be educated so that they could help to teach their sons. Upper-class girls were taught at home, often receiving instruction from their mothers or fathers. Some studied with a tutor along...