ABSTRACT
A short introduction to (1) early concepts of yin and yang and how such views influenced the Chinese philosophical thinking, which, in turn, laid the foundation for the gender system and practices throughout Chinese history; (2) didactic writings on men and women’s responsibilities and gender roles; (3) men and women’s lived experience, with an emphasis on daughterhood, wifehood, and motherhood.
Primary sources introduced: Daoist and Confucian texts on yin and yang, didactic texts, family precepts, bronze inscriptions, biographies, and most importantly, epitaphs for men and women.
