Polyandry and Wife-Selling in Qing Dynasty China

Discover the intricate social dynamics of Qing Dynasty China in Polyandry and Wife-Selling in Qing Dynasty China by Matthew H. Sommer. Published by the University of California Press in 2015, this compelling hardback edition spans 499 pages, offering a deep dive into the practices of polyandry and wife-selling, alongside other related customs.

Sommer meticulously examines how marriage, sexuality, and reproduction functioned as crucial survival strategies for the rural poor amid challenges such as overpopulation, declining sex ratios, and diminishing farm sizes. This insightful study not only sheds light on historical practices but also invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of social conditions in China during this era.

Ideal for scholars and enthusiasts of Chinese history, social anthropology, and gender studies, this book provides a thought-provoking exploration of how these practices shaped the lives of individuals and communities in a time of significant social transformation.