Song Dynasty: Neo-Confucianism, Governance, Culture, and Economy

A set of QUESTION_AND_ANSWER flashcards covering Neo-Confucianism, governance, gender relations, cultural influence, religion, and the Song economy as described in the notes.

What is Neo-Confucianism, and how did it come to dominate Song governance?

Neo-Confucianism is the revived and updated form of Confucianism during the Tang and Song periods, incorporating Buddhist and Taoist ideas to meet contemporary political needs; it became the official state philosophy of Song rulers.

What does Confucianism say about social hierarchies and the duties of rulers and subjects?

Society is hierarchical by nature with relationships such as father–son, husband–wife, and ruler–subject; the superior should be benevolent toward the inferior, while the inferior should obey; proper fulfillment of roles leads to social harmony.

What is filial piety and why was it emphasized by Chinese rulers?

The practice of honoring one's ancestors and parents; promoted to train respect for family and, by extension, loyalty to the emperor.

What happened to Confucianism after the Han dynasty and how did it re-emerge?

Confucianism waned after the Han; it was revived starting in the Tang dynasty and carried into the Song era as Neo-Confucianism.

Under Song rule, how did Confucian hierarchy affect women?

Women were relegated to subordinate positions; their legal rights were restricted; property often passed to husbands; remarriage was forbidden for widows or divorced women; foot binding became a dramatic symbol of female subordination.

What was foot binding and what was its social purpose?

The practice of binding young girls' feet to make them smaller; used as a status symbol among elites and to indicate a woman's desirability and ability to be cared for by servants; it also restricted mobility.

What is an imperial bureaucracy?

A governmental body comprised of tens of thousands of officials who implement the emperor's policies across China.

How did civil service examinations shape Song governance?

Exams based on Confucian classics selected the most qualified candidates for official positions, making hiring merit-based and increasing bureaucratic competency.

What was the tributary relationship with Korea during the Song period?

Korean officials visited the Song court to acknowledge the emperor's prestige; Korea maintained friendly relations through tribute, and adopted aspects of Chinese culture, including Confucianism and the civil service examination.

How did Korea's adoption of Confucianism affect gender roles compared to China?

Korea embraced Confucian principles and marginalization of women increased compared to China, with a stronger patriarchal family structure.

What was Japan's relationship to Chinese influence during this period?

Although China influenced Japan, much of Japan's adoption occurred earlier (seventh to ninth centuries); Japan voluntarily borrowed Chinese bureaucracy structure and writing system, plus Buddhism.

What were the key Chinese cultural imports into Vietnam during this period?

Confucianism, Buddhism, Chinese literary techniques, and the civil service examination system; Vietnam remained politically independent but participated in the tributary system.

What are Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism, and how do they differ?

Theravada emphasizes monastic life and closer adherence to original teachings; Mahayana emphasizes universal salvation and devotion to many Buddhas; Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes mystical practices and deities.

What is Chan Buddhism?

A Chinese school of Buddhism emphasizing meditation, which later influenced broader Buddhist practice in China.

What four factors drove Song economic prosperity?

Commercialization of the economy (including paper money and credit); explosion of iron and steel production; introduction and impact of Champa rice; transportation innovations (Grand Canal expansion, magnetic compass, improved shipbuilding).

What is Champa rice and why was it important?

Rice from the Champa kingdom in Vietnam that was drought resistant and could be harvested twice a year, doubling agricultural output and supporting population growth.

What was the Grand Canal's role in Song economy?

Expanded canal linking the Yellow and Yangtze rivers, facilitating cheaper internal trade and regional integration.

What were the transportation innovations that boosted Song trade and prosperity?

Magnetic compass improved navigation; advanced shipbuilding (bulkheads and stern rudders) for better seafaring; expansion and use of the Grand Canal to move goods efficiently.

How did Song illustrate continuity and innovation in governance and culture?

They revived traditional Confucian ideals (continuity with ancient China) while integrating Buddhist and Taoist ideas (innovation) to address contemporary needs.