AP World HW #11Between 500 CE and 1300 CE, China established its international dominance, respectively over the world of third wave civilizations. However, East Asia's rise was accompanied by several changes that ultimately reinvented the global perception of the region. Culturally, what was considered the "golden age" of the Song dynasty was also fraught with new patriarchal restrictions on women, with societal views becoming increasingly misogynistic. Regarding the disruption of cultural opinion, there was the importance of Confucianism, which had originally died out in favor of a more liberal mentality imposed by the nomads of the surrounding steppes. The most critical change concerns the definitions of masculinity and femininity; While Confucianism advocated education as one's most valuable asset, women were seen as temptresses, distractions to men's academic pursuits. The period after what is considered China's "Golden Age" also constitutes a stain on the country's past, as the practices that emerged during this era were clearly cruel, at least from a modern perspective. A product of this mindset was the new tradition of footbinding, which was both a mark of elitism and subordination, each of which was central to Confucian philosophies. This process was created from a societal objectification of women, as women with smaller feet were thought to be more attractive to men and were more likely to marry into a wealthy family, but also from economic hierarchies , since peasant women could not have their feet tied. because they needed full mobility to support their families in the fields. Economic changes usurped the field of textile production, previously dominated by women, and greater chances of household prosperity limited social cohesion due to jealousy and tensions. Ch...... middle of paper ...... The reputation and apparent cohesion of the Chinese empire masked the flaws of civilization and reaffirmed the idea that Chinese processes were correct, leading to the international adoption of their structures. The autonomous nature of the tribute system reinforced the idea that the barbarians were backward, neglected and dirty people, while the Chinese were advanced, admirable and superior. Moreover, the tribute system as a political change increased the diffusion and acceptance of Chinese ideals and changed international norms. This then shapes history and explains why we think the Chinese were far more powerful and sophisticated than the barbarians. The changes brought about by the tribute system are significant because they made China a symbol of "civilization", creating both a historical and modern understanding that Chinese life, and urban life in general, is key of domination..