Society

    The strengthening of the central government of China during the Han dynasty essentially did away with feudalism for a time. Still, large landowning families remained one of the most powerful classes in Han China. This later became more pronounced as trade within China, and outside of China grew. Also, these large families would usually own a factory, this would increase their local influence as well as their wealth.

   The merchant class grew in importance during this period as well. With the buying and selling of good it gave the merchants a certain amount of social mobility which had not been previously available to them.

   With the new Confucian bureaucracy there was a potential for a large increase in social status for most anyone whom could study for exams.   

   The family was the basic unit of Chinese society during Han times. The family was seen as immortal to the Chinese, since it stretched far back into the past and would continue on into the future.   

   The head of the family had autocratic power, and would sometimes put members of the family to death if they brought dishonor.  Also, the head of a family could be a woman if she was the oldest living member.   

   The family was also considered responsible for the conduct of its members, and therefore could be punished as a unit. Also, families were supposed to take care of their own members by providing the equivalent of life insurance. Yet, most families could not afford this, but it remain the societal ideal.