In Ancient China, a new-born baby girl did not bring bring joy to a family because a son was more valuable than a daughter. Women were seen as inferior to men and families did not feel the need to invest much in their daughters. Therefore, they were also unworthy of receiving an education. Most women were not literate and did not know how to write any words. Some daughters, especially those of scholars and teachers, were educated. They learnt at home from their parents or the family scholar. Some women who had received enough schooling became physicians and were allowed to treat only female patients. Women could never become a leader or part of the Ancient Chinese Government because they were not permitted to talk or act freely in front of men. The merit-based civil service improved education for boys and created occupational opportunities, but did not do much to help the lives of little girls. The only education that most women received was about their proper role in society and how they needed to act in the family and in occasional social events. Women were generally not required to do much but housework so it was required of them to learn much about reading or writing.
Questions:
1. Why were women unable to receive an education?
2. How would China be different now if women were always educated?
Questions:
1. Why were women unable to receive an education?
2. How would China be different now if women were always educated?