전통시대 중국 여성교육서의 사상적 지향

Abstract

This study examines the ideological orientation of women’s education through women’s education books in pre-modern China. In Confucian society, ‘having a family(齊家)’ was the highest goal in terms of family management. However, the success of ‘having a family’ depends on the education of family members. Among home education, women’s education in particular formed one of the pillars of ‘having a family’. Therefore, in China, from the Han Dynasty(漢代) to the modern era, the image of women pursued in each era was included and utilized in women’s education books. However, in modern times, there was a view that disparaged these women’s education books. For a long time, related books were burned, damaged, or neglected, as they were evaluated as ‘shackles’ of women’s oppression or ‘obstacles’ to women’s liberation. This study comparatively analyzed how the ideological orientation of Chinese women’s education books differs depending on the gender of the author. China’s first women’s education book was the “Inner Rules(內則)” section of Yegi(禮記). The ideology of “Internal Rules,” which presented the female norms to be observed in order to form and maintain a family, especially filial piety and children’s education, later became a scripture that formed the basis of Chinese women’s education. On the basis of 「Inner Edicts」, BanSo(班昭) of the Han Dynasty compiled Yeogye(女誡), which emphasized women’s knowledge education. Afterwards, Yeohyogyeong(女孝經), Yeononeo(女論語), Naehun(內訓), and Yeobeom(女範) became Yeosaseo(女四書). As it was commonly known, it contributed to women’s knowledge education. The common ideological orientation of women’s education books written by women is the position that women should also receive knowledge education and help their husbands to play a role in the family and society. On the other hand, among the women’s education books written by men, Yeolnyeojeon(列女傳) emphasizes traditional women’s role theory, and Anssigahun(顔氏家訓) promotes a sense of crisis to overcome difficult times. Women’s education books compiled by men focused on etiquette education rather than knowledge education for women, while maintaining the traditional position that ‘the reason a woman does not have shining talent is because of her innate character’ or ‘when a hen crows, the family is ruined’. However, Jijasupyou(戒子拾遺) edited by Li Shu(李恕) of the Tang Dynasty, Gafan(家範) compiled by Sima Guang(司馬光) of the Song Dynasty, and Qing Dynasty Bui-jeom(傅以漸)’s Naechikyeonui(內則衍義) etc. held the position that regardless of gender, one should learn to read and write and practice courtesy. Whether it is a women’s compilation or a male compilation, the ultimate ideological goal would be to raise women as helpful beings in the home and society through education. As Confucian culture spread through society, there were some inflections, but it suggests that the right life for women is to learn and practice the teachings of ancient sages.