Foot Binding

Definition

Foot binding was a Chinese custom that involved tightly binding the feet of young girls to alter their shape and size, creating a small, arched foot that was considered beautiful and a status symbol. This practice reflects broader themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and women's status in East Asian cultures, particularly in the context of how beauty standards can dictate women's lives across different civilizations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Foot binding began in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) and became more widespread during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), becoming a cultural norm by the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE).
2. The ideal foot size was about 3 inches long, known as 'lotus feet,' which were often seen as a mark of beauty and elegance.
3. The practice was painful and often led to lifelong disabilities due to the damage caused to the bones and muscles.
4. Foot binding was primarily practiced among the upper classes but gradually spread to other social classes as it became associated with social status.
5. The custom began to decline in the late 19th century due to Western influence and the efforts of reformers who advocated for women's rights and health.

Review Questions

• How did foot binding reflect the societal views on women's roles in Chinese culture?
  • Foot binding reflected a complex view of women's roles in Chinese society, where beauty was intertwined with status and femininity. It symbolized submission and obedience, reinforcing the idea that women should be confined to domestic roles while striving for ideals of beauty. This practice illustrated how societal norms dictated women's lives, ultimately limiting their mobility and autonomy while simultaneously elevating their status in certain social circles.
• Evaluate the impact of Confucian beliefs on the practice of foot binding throughout Chinese history.
  • Confucian beliefs significantly impacted foot binding as they promoted traditional values emphasizing female subservience and the importance of family reputation. The idealization of small feet within this framework reinforced patriarchal control over women's bodies and choices. As Confucianism placed great emphasis on women's roles as wives and mothers, foot binding became a means to enhance these roles by aligning women with societal expectations of beauty and propriety.
• Assess how the decline of foot binding in the late 19th century reflected broader changes in Chinese society regarding women's rights and social reforms.
  • The decline of foot binding in the late 19th century mirrored significant shifts in Chinese society towards modernity and reform, influenced by Western ideas about women's rights and health. As reformers began to challenge traditional practices that restricted women's freedoms, foot binding was increasingly seen as harmful and archaic. This movement towards abolishing foot binding was part of a larger effort to improve women's education and participation in public life, marking an important step toward gender equality and the re-evaluation of women's roles in society.

Related terms

Confucianism:

A philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius that emphasized family loyalty, respect for elders, and the importance of social harmony.

Dowry: A transfer of parental property, wealth, or goods that is given to the groom in marriage, often seen as a way to secure a marriage alliance and ensure financial stability for women.

Patriarchy:

A social system in which men hold primary power, dominating in roles of political leadership, moral authority, and control of property.