women's education in traditional and modern China

It was only towards the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) that new girls' schools were established by the imperial reforms in China. This development caused a profound social change. Prior to this period, the aim of women's education was limited to the teaching of social ethics and family tradition with an emphasis on how to behave as a virtuous wife and good mother. In the present education system, it can be said that there is equal opportunity for men and women, and that the aim of women's education goes beyond the traditional function. However, this development in modern education has led to some major problems, especially relating to the contradiction between traditional family life and a modern professional career among women. The purpose of this article is to discuss women's education in traditional and modern China and to assess its achievements and limitations.