What social changes occurred in China during the Tang and Song periods?
1 Answer
In Tang China, women's roles in society significantly changed and different in comparison to former dynasties. There was also more of an acceptance toward foreigners.
In Song China, women's roles changed once again.
Explanation:
In Tang China, women were able to have more rights, especially during Wu Zetian's reign. Women were allowed to ride horses and wear men's clothes, whereas it was completely forbidden during earlier times. Not only that, women did not have to change their surname after marrying into husband's family and they were also allowed to request a divorce.
In Song China, Confucianism was valued more and this suppressed women. The most significant change for women was foot-binding. Foot-binding was important to families that want their daughters to have a good marriage and to fit in society.
