Why Were Concubines Allowed in Ancient China?

Historical Development#

Early Origins: Concubinage can be traced back to China's early history, even as far as the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600 - 1046 BC). In these early times, having concubines was a sign of a man's wealth and status. Nobles and the wealthy would take multiple concubines as a display of their power and resources.
Feudal Period: During the feudal period, which lasted from around 770 BC to 221 BC, concubinage became more institutionalized. The number of concubines a man could have was often regulated according to his social rank. For example, emperors and high - ranking officials had a large number of concubines, while commoners might not be able to afford more than one or none at all.
Imperial China: In the imperial era, which spanned over two thousand years, concubinage reached its peak. Emperors maintained large harems filled with concubines, not only for pleasure but also for political and dynastic reasons. The Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912) was one of the last dynasties where concubinage was still an established practice.

In ancient Chinese society, there was a strict hierarchical structure. Men were at the top of the family and social hierarchy. Concubines were lower in status than wives. Wives were usually from families of similar social standing and were married through formal ceremonies, while concubines could be acquired through various means, such as purchase or as gifts.

The family was the basic unit of Chinese society. One of the main reasons for having concubines was to ensure the continuation of the family line. If a wife was unable to bear sons, a man could take a concubine to increase the chances of having male heirs. Sons were important for carrying on the family name, performing ancestral rites, and inheriting property.

Wealthy men could afford to support multiple concubines. Concubines often came with certain costs, including housing, clothing, and food. For the upper - class, having concubines was also a form of conspicuous consumption, showing off their economic power.

Chinese laws regulated concubinage. For example, concubines had fewer legal rights compared to wives. They could not inherit property in the same way as wives, and their children from the relationship with the man also had different inheritance rights. However, the laws also provided some protection for concubines, such as preventing them from being arbitrarily discarded.

Confucianism, the dominant philosophy in ancient China, emphasized family values and social order. While it did not explicitly promote concubinage, it accepted it as a way to maintain the family line and social stability. The idea of having a large family with many descendants was seen as a positive aspect of a successful man's life.

Emperor Xuanzong of Tang: He was known for his large harem and his love for his concubine Yang Yuhuan. Their story became a famous legend in Chinese literature and culture. Yang Yuhuan was not only beautiful but also had a significant influence on the emperor, which some historians believe contributed to the decline of the Tang Dynasty.
The End of the Qing Dynasty: With the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912 and the beginning of the Republic of China, concubinage gradually lost its legal and social support. The new government promoted more modern and equal - rights ideas, which led to the decline of the concubine system.

In ancient Rome, wealthy men also had concubines. Similar to China, it was a sign of social status. However, in Rome, concubines were often slaves or freedwomen, and the relationship was more focused on sexual and domestic services. In contrast, in China, concubinage was more closely related to the family system and the need for male heirs.
In some Islamic societies, polygamy (including having concubines in some cases) was also practiced. But the rules and cultural implications were different. Islamic polygamy was regulated by religious laws, which emphasized the equal treatment of wives, while in China, the status of concubines was clearly lower than that of wives.

Cultural Heritage: The story of concubines in ancient China has left a deep mark on Chinese literature, art, and drama. Many famous works, such as "Dream of the Red Chamber," depict the lives of concubines and the complex family relationships in which they were involved.
Gender Equality: The history of concubinage serves as a reminder of the long - standing gender inequality in Chinese society. Today, China has made great progress in promoting gender equality, and the idea of concubinage is completely unacceptable.
Legal Reforms: The end of concubinage led to significant legal reforms in China. Modern Chinese laws ensure equal rights for men and women in marriage and inheritance, which is a far cry from the situation in ancient times.

Primary Sources: Reading ancient Chinese texts, such as historical records, legal codes, and literary works, can provide more in - depth information about the lives of concubines.
Comparative Studies: Comparing the concubine system in China with those in other Asian countries, such as Japan and Korea, can help understand the similarities and differences in the development of such systems in the region.
Gender Studies: Exploring how the concubine system affected the lives of women in ancient China and how it relates to modern - day gender issues can be a fruitful area of research.

Ebrey, Patricia Buckley. The Inner Quarters: Marriage and the Lives of Chinese Women in the Sung Period. University of California Press, 1993.
Watson, Rubie S., and Patricia Buckley Ebrey, eds. Marriage and Inequality in Chinese Society. University of California Press, 1991.