CONCUBINES
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Female Subordination in China
What is Concubinage?
Concubinage is defined as the practice of keeping a concubine, which was a woman who had relations with a man of higher social status, typically with one who was already married. Although it is now outlawed, it was a widespread practice that took place in many countries, from Europe to China.
Concubines in China were usually taken by force, however some parents volunteered their daughters to be concubines so they could gain power, or so their children would be safe and fed. Concubinage was reserved for higher ranking government officials and the emperor. The emperor's concubines were ranked, with the most beautiful occupying the top positions. As a result, competition between concubines was fierce, with each woman fighting to secure her spot in the hierarchy, and straining to gain favor from the emperor.
Women were often eager to produce an heir, which would elevate their status further, although they would still be inferior to the Empress. Regardless of their status, all concubines were all considered property of the men they served. The number of women that a man "owned" was a way of showing off their wealth and power. Although some women did care about their men, concubinage was not a relationship of love, rather a social and sexual contract.
History of Concubinage
Concubinage was a common practice throughout Chinese history. While there is specific date that marks the beginning of the practice, it was first observed during the Shang dynasty, when emperors were allowed to have multiple wives. The earliest regulations on concubinage sprouted in the mid Han dynasty in 25 CE. In Ming China, a selection system was developed to choose concubines for the emperor. They were between 14 and 16 years of age, and were judged based on their appearance, manners, and character.
Concubinage was most popular during the Qing Dynasty from 1644 to 1912 due to the rise of the Industrial Revolution, bringing wealth to the growing merchant class. It remained an enduring part of Chinese culture that lasted until 1949, when it was outlawed by the Chinese Communist Party.
While the practice of having concubines had ended decades ago, a recent practice called ‘Ernai’ (translated as ‘mistress’ or ‘second wife’) has become increasingly popular among wealthy Chinese businessmen, where they take second, third, and even fourth mistresses outside of their marriage.