Patriarchal Shang Dynasty

Dynasties of China population consist majorly of the working class. The patriarchal Chow Dynasty had over thrown the matriarchal Shang’s and male rule became hereditary. The patriarch’s decision was absolute although class and families owned property in common. “Serfs were taxed as property, so many emancipated because of major tax assessments between 600 and 400 B.C.E” (68). Those who emancipated were left to fend for themselves causing many to turn to the state for help. In 500 B.C.E priest encouraged China rulers to care for the poor. This was the foundation for Buddhism which declared poverty as a holy state. In 221 B.C. E feudalism collapsed which lead to the first United Chinese Empire. The emperor was obligated by god to provide for his subjects. Officials established a social welfare system of their own, included was “one-day rest in five, sick leave, education for their children (the next generation of civil servants),
It is important in both religions the ruler must provide and take care of the poor. Both practice Buddhism as a religion which can explain why there are similarities. They even emphasize the importance of a male and present many inequalities towards woman. China and India differ on how the provide help for those in need within their society. An important difference is Indians emphasis on reincarnation. It determines what kind of help should be received to the individual in need. Karma is what Indian’s spiritual beliefs encompass that actions in the present life determines one’s position in the next life. The members in each society who were disadvantage were often treated poorly even though both societies felt obligated from religious reasons to provide help. A majority of the time the help was inadequate. Social aid in both China and India had disadvantages that those who lived in poverty could not sustain even with the minimal help the ruler or emperor