Social Structure
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LifestyleMost of the Han lived in a two-parent family group, and usually had two or three children. The father was the head of the house, based off Confucius' relationship models that emphasized a patriarchy. It was vital to have sons because they continued the family line, as well as performed rites for ancestors.
Women, however, did have some rights: they were protected by the law, and often worked outside the home in various professions. An emperor's mother could override him/his laws, and his wife had a fair amount of power as well. Marriages were arranged as bonds between two "clans" (family lines). After marriage, a woman became part of her husband's clan. Most men were married around 17, and most women around 15, as women who were not married were often taxed heavily. Han commoners usually only married once, but richer men often married many times, or supported concubines. |
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Bibliography
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Web
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Image
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Essay
Han Society Essay (Vishu) | |
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