Question

How did the structure of the family, the nature of women's extra-family links, and the sorts of pressures that could be brought to bear make it nearly impossible for women in well-to-do households to resist the imposition of the footbinding procedures?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

During the 10th and 11th centuries, China, influenced by neo-confusion, valued women for their purity, beauty, delicacy, femininity and submissiveness. One feature had the ability to promote all of these elements to a woman. This feature was known as lotus feet, which is characterized by very small feet that were formed through a very painful and dangerous process.

Women, especially those from wealthy families, needed to be seen with value by society. This was because it was necessary for them to be able to make good marriages, to promote good relationships between families. This appreciation of women was only possible if they fit the standards of society around beauty and behavior. These standards were achieved with lotus feet.

This mandatory marriage meant that the girls had no choice but to be subjected to the painful process of tying their feet.