This study showed that the lives of women in ancient Korea were not controlled by men although their social activities were restricted. In the previous research, it was emphasized that the most important orders imposed to women was female loyalty to f...
This study showed that the lives of women in ancient Korea were not controlled by men although their social activities were restricted. In the previous research, it was emphasized that the most important orders imposed to women was female loyalty to fathers, husbands, and sons(三從之道). However, the ethics between husband and wife was not an one submission of wife to her husband, but a kind of mutual fidelity(夫婦有義).
Women also could be the objects of filial piety(孝) of their children. Woman, as a mother, encouraged her son to never retreat in the battle. In that way, young men could comply with both loyalty to the country(忠) and filial piety. Mother played a very significant role making her child meet the demand of their country.
Even though women had many disadvantages under the pressure of men - oriented social order, they took their irreplaceable positions in family. Extremely intense mother-child bonds gave women very practical powers within the family.