Objectification of Women in China. Chosen Examples from Women’s Writing

Abstract

The article presents the problem of objectification of Chinese women from the past to the present times. Objectification of women in China can be regarded as a total phenomenon since it regarded control over feminine bodies, will and spirit. From birth, women were strictly controlled and socialised accordingly. According to Confucian principles men were also supposed to show subordination to their fathers, superiors and rulers, however, looking from a historical perspective, it is clear that subordination of women permeated patriarchal Chinese society so deeply, that it took the form of objectification that influenced traditions, customs and mentality of the inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom.