ABSTRACT
Although the history of China extends back well into the Neolithic era, the first written records began during the Shang Dynasty (c. 1766 b.c.). From these early times women have occupied a low social position with respect to men. Women were traditionally viewed as possessions and were often bought and sold to benefit and reinforce the patriarchal system. Women worked only to increase the status of the husband and family. The primary mission of women was to produce a son for the husband, to raise children, and to keep an orderly house. As China's dynastic era drew to a close, women began to protest their low social position and discriminatory treatment. Although still badly treated during the time of the Republic of China (1912-1949), they continued to make modest progress in education and occupational goals, and to increase awareness of their needs.
