In the marriage system of ancient China, men could divorce their wives. Could women also divorce their husbands? This article will explore this issue based on historical data.

I. Brief Introduction to Ancient Marriage System

The marriage system of ancient China was dominated by Confucianism, emphasizing "Three Cardinal Guides and Five Constant Virtues". Among them, "Three Cardinal Guides" included the relationships between sovereign and minister, father and son, and husband and wife; while "Five Constant Virtues" referred to benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trust. Under this marriage system, men held a higher status than women, with husbands having the right to divorce their wives while wives had no right to divorce their husbands.

II. Reasons for Men's Divorce in Ancient Times

There were many reasons why ancient men might divorce their wives, such as infertility, infidelity, or improper behavior. In these cases, husbands could apply to the government for divorce, and after review, they could divorce their wives. This system, to some extent, protected men's rights, but it could also lead to family breakdowns and women's hardships.

III. Reasons Why Women Had No Right to Divorce in Ancient Times

1. The influence of Confucianism: Confucianism believed that women should obey their husbands and maintain family harmony. Under this belief, women were considered to have no right to divorce, which was considered ethical and moral.

2. Differences in social status: In ancient Chinese society, men were superior to women, and women's status was lower than men's. Under these circumstances, it was considered natural that women had no right to divorce.

3. Legal restrictions: Ancient laws primarily targeted men in divorce provisions, and women had no right to file divorce suits. Even if women suffered from domestic violence or their husbands were unfaithful, they could only seek help through other channels, such as seeking assistance from their natal families or appealing to the government.

IV. Reflection on Ancient Marriage System in Modern Society

With the development of society, people have reflected on the ancient marriage system. More and more people believe that gender equality is the basic principle of modern society, and marital relationships should be based on equality and mutual love. Therefore, modern marriage laws stipulate that both men and women have the right to file divorce suits, safeguarding women's rights.

Conclusion: In the marriage system of ancient China, men could divorce their wives, while women had no right to divorce their husbands. This phenomenon reflected the patriarchal concept and imperfections in the legal system of ancient society. However, with the progress of the times, modern society has abandoned this unfair marriage system and achieved gender equality.

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