Three Obediences and Four Virtues; feudal code oppressing women
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesnoun
the Three Obediences and Four Virtues; feudal ethical code used to oppress and control women in traditional Chinese society
archaicThe 'Three Obediences' (三从) dictate that a woman must obey her father before marriage, her husband after marriage, and her son after her husband's death. The 'Four Virtues' (四德) specify standards for women's moral character, speech, appearance, and household skills (needlework). These concepts were central to Confucian patriarchal control over women in imperial China.
The Three Obediences and Four Virtues were spiritual shackles used to oppress women in feudal society.
In ancient times, women were required to strictly abide by the Three Obediences and Four Virtues.
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Modern society has long since abandoned these feudal dregs like the Three Obediences and Four Virtues.
Lu Xun's novels sharply criticized how the Three Obediences and Four Virtues poisoned women.