The tragic situation of child brides in the late Qing Dynasty: a microcosm of the evil old society
2024-05-23 16:01:08 中文版

During the late Qing Dynasty, Chinese society was rife with many bad customs and injustices, with the child bride system being a typical example. This system forced many young girls to bear heavy life burdens and mental stress, leaving them in a tragic situation. This article aims to reveal the living conditions of child brides during the late Qing Dynasty, highlighting the dark side of the evil old society.

Firstly, the origin of the child bride system.

The child bride system originated in ancient China, a custom that involved sending young girls to their future husband's family for nurturing and marrying their betrothed upon adulthood. This system prevailed during the late Qing Dynasty, especially in rural areas. Many families sent their daughters to be child brides due to poverty, in exchange for certain economic compensation.

Secondly, the tragic life of child brides.

1. Heavy Labor: As child brides, girls were required to perform arduous household tasks such as washing clothes, cooking, and caring for family members. They often started working before daybreak and rested only late into the night, leading to an extremely difficult life.

2. Lack of Education: Child brides were usually unable to receive education as their families believed that girls did not need to read or write. This greatly limited their opportunities to change their fates.

3. Personal Dependency: Child brides were considered property of their future husband's family, and their personal freedom was strictly restricted. They could not choose their own marriages or leave their husband's family freely.

4. Abuse and Discrimination: Child brides often suffered abuse and discrimination from their husband's family. They had a low status, even inferior to servants in the household. During family disputes, they often became scapegoats, bearing immense psychological pressure.

Thirdly, the impact of the child bride system.

1. Low Status of Women: The child bride system severely degraded the status of women, leaving them vulnerable in both family and society.

2. Hindrance to Social Progress: The child bride system limited women's development, preventing them from contributing to the country and society, thereby hindering social progress.

3. Exacerbation of the Wealth Gap: The child bride system further widened the wealth gap, making poor families poorer and wealthy families richer.

In conclusion:

The child bride system during the late Qing Dynasty was a microcosm of the evil old society, revealing the oppression and discrimination against women at that time. Although this system has been abolished with the development of the times, we should remember history, cherish the achievements of modern civilization, and strive tirelessly to build a fair and just society.

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