"And it was a matter for joy to Wang Lung that this slave gave birth to a girl, for if it had been a boy she would have been proud and have claimed a place in the family." (Buck, p. 184) This quote showed the harsh discrimination that took place against women. According to Confucius a woman's job was only to do the housework and to have children. During traditional China, society forced women into the practice of binding feet. This was an inhumane, unjust act but according to society at that time if the women did not have their feet bound, they would be considered ugly and barbaric. Most women were only merchandise or objects that could be sold our bought depending on the decision of their father or even husband. In traditional China before the revolution the attitude toward women reflected its traditions, religion, and society.
"As soon as the daughters grew old enough to be married off to her husband's family, she creates an economical loss to her family." (Chinese Women's Status in Traditional China, P. 1) Women were thought of as lower class just for being women. They were extremely discriminated against. They could be bought as if they were slaves, and most people sold them for money! "But there were some who would not sell their land, and when they had nothing wherewith to buy seed and plow and oxen they sold their daughters." (Buck, p. 205) During the famine there were many examples of the female children being sold just so that they could have food. Many women also had basically no say in anything, they were considered owned by their husband or father. It was a shame to bear a female child and in some cases they may kill her at birth because she would be too much of a burden. "Well, and if it is a grandson I will pay for a new red robe for the goddess, but nothing will I do if it is a girl." (Buck, p. 191) Women had various sexist jobs due to society. A women or wife's job was to do all the housework, like cleaning, cooking and basically doing all the jobs around the house.