조선 후기 첩자계승과 첩의 가계계승 개입 양상

Abstract

This paper explores the dynamics of family succession by secondary sons in late Joseon society, shedding light on the significant role concubines played in these affairs. Late Joseon society featured a complex situation concerning secondary sons: while they were generally considered unsuitable as ritual heirs, there were concurrent movements seeking to integrate them into their father’s descent group. Despite the prevalence of adopting an agnatic son in the absence of a primary heir, the issue of secondary-son heirship remained contentious among prominent Confucian scholars. Moreover, real-life instances arose where a secondary son was favored over an adopted one, revealing intertwined human relations and conflicting interests over family succession. Considering the profound impact of secondary-son heirship on the status and welfare of their mothers, the concubines, these women were driven to advocate for their sons’ elevation to ritual heirship. Some fought against threats from collateral kinsmen to uphold their son’s rightful position as heir, while others sought to usurp the established heirship of an adoptee. Concubines often found themselves in conflict with the primary wife in the pursuit of securing succession for their sons. This conflict typically centered around the wife advocating for adoption and the concubine advocating for secondary-son heirship. Although some concubines challenged the rigid hierarchy between wives and concubines, their active involvement in their son’s heirship faced obstacles as long as the primary wife remained alive. Nonetheless, this paper highlights that concubines, traditionally viewed as peripheral figures, were not entirely excluded from succession matters. Some displayed remarkable boldness and determination, even risking their own lives. These examples challenge the conventional portrayal of concubines as subordinate figures, prompting a deeper exploration of the complex existence and experiences of concubines and their sons within the patrilineal kinship order grounded in the descent-line principle.