China on Foot Binding History Research Assignment Paper

China on Foot Binding
Name
Affiliation/Institution
Course
Date
China on Foot Binding
Foot binding is an ancient custom that was practiced in China for nearly a whole millennium. This tradition began in the 10th century and lasted until its ban in 1911 after a vicious campaign by western missionaries. The practice of foot binding involved the wrapping of a woman’s feet with the intention of deforming them permanently. It was initially done by the ruling class and the wealthy and thus made to look trendy at the time. In due course, it transcended the country’s social classes and became the most popular fashion trend. However, after a deeper look into the tradition, one empathizes with the women because of the apparent pain that was caused by this practice.
Different theories have emerged with the goal of explaining why women valued this tradition. Three of the most common include a show of family status, for marriage purposes, and finally, a show of submission on the part of women. Since time immemorial, marriage has been one of the most respected and prominent social structures of society. Young girls looked forward to the day when their fathers would offer them to their husbands and in China, having your foot-bound was seen as a way of elevating one’s allure. The fact ...