History of Japan Episode 565 - Riot Girls
Feb 14, 2025
Dive into the overlooked roles of women in Edo period riots and their challenges against a male-dominated society. Explore how Neo-Confucianism shaped women's lives and the intriguing story of Sogoro, a peasant martyr whose legacy ignites discussion of vengeance and resistance. Discover the complexities of women's involvement in peasant rebellions and the emotional intricacies of their loyalties. The uniqueness of female leadership in these protests offers a striking contrast to their portrayal in Western revolutions, shedding light on women's political agency.
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Neo-Confucianism's Influence on Women
- Edo period women's lives were shaped by Neo-Confucianism, emphasizing subordination to men and confinement to the private sphere.
- Though influential, Neo-Confucianism never dominated Japanese intellectual life as it did in mainland Asia.
Neo-Confucianism and Legal Status of Women
- Neo-Confucian texts, like Kaibara Ekken's "Greater Learning for Women," outlined female subordination.
- This ideology aligned with shogunate laws, restricting women's property ownership and public roles.
Sakura Sogoro and Oh-san
- The legend of Sakura Sogoro, a peasant who protested unfair taxes, highlights women's roles in protest narratives.
- His wife, Oh-san, though likely fictional, embodies the limited role women played, often depicted as victims or mourners.