The role of filial piety as a political tool in the Han dynasty

Abstract

Filial piety has been a valued part of Chinese culture since ancient times. It has been interpreted in various ways that make it a practical tool for imperial rulers to regulate behavior. Based on people’s filial duties to the seniors in a family, the requirements of reverence, loyalty, and obedience toward the superiors in society are then well established and logically sound. In this way, these extended duties of filial piety become the natural parts of human nature and the inherent qualities of Chinese people. The authorities can use such interpretations to justify the hierarchical social structure and maintain the sociopolitical order. At the same time, the combination of ethics and ideology, social order, and political operation elevated filial piety to a position of influence. This study is designed to investigate the political role of filial piety in a clear historical context—the Han dynasty, where the virtue of filial piety was inextricably intertwined with social and political issues.