Polygyny (Ancient Chinese Society and Family Structure)

Author: Zhang Kuang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-09-01
Features: The polygynous family structure in China emerged with the establishment of the monarchy and autocratic system, enduring until the early 20th century. It had a long history, deeply rooted and widespread, spanning thousands of years. From family and social structures, it permeated deeply into concepts and consciousness, becoming a stubborn obstacle to social progress over the long term. In the early 20th century, with the collapse of the last autocratic hereditary dynasty, the polygynous system was finally abolished. However, its remnants persisted, reviving in various new forms, such as extramarital polygyny and the "population-first" ideology aimed at reproduction and childbirth. These phenomena exerted significant negative impacts on socioeconomic, political, cultural, ecological, and civic aspects, leading to severe adverse consequences. Due to the inherent of the polygyny topic, research on this subject, especially high-level academic works, has been scarce in the past. Professor Zhang Kuang of Inner Mongolia University has dedicated years to studying these issues. In this book, he conducts an in-depth examination of ancient Chinese polygyny, laying foundational work in tracing origins, exploring historical developments, and providing illustrative examples. It is worth reading.