The Influence of the Three Obediences, the Four Virtues in Confucianism on the Tay-Nung Women

Abstract

Confucianism is one of the typical ethical theories of Chinese ancient history and imported into Vietnam since the Chinese domination time. In the all process of its existence and development in Vietnam, Confucianism have had the deep influence on the culture, living style and thinking of the Vietnamese people including women which have been expressed in many aspects. The effect of Confucianism on Vietnamese women has been very idea of “three obediences”, “four virtues”. This influence has included both positive and negative aspects. The positive aspect has been the educating the moral, altruistic living style, helping women act according to their function, role and obligation. The negative aspect has been the strengthening of the idea of valuing men above women and the patriarchism and the arbitrariness of men in families and society