The Han-era family was patrilineal and typically had four to five nuclear family members living in one household. Multiple generations of extended family members did not occupy the same house, unlike families of later dynasties. According to Confucian family norms, various family members were treated with different levels of respect and intimacy. For example, there were different accepted time frames for mourning the death of a father versus a paternal uncle. Arranged marriages were normal, with the father's input on his offspring's spouse being considered more important than the mother's. Monogamous marriages were also normal, although nobles and high officials were wealthy enough to afford and support concubines as additional lovers. Under certain conditions dictated by custom, not law, both men and women were able to divorce their spouses and remarry. COUNT 5
QSN1 How many family members would commonly live in a single household during the Han era? ANS1 four to five QSN2 Whose opinion on the spouse of an arranged marriage was considered to be more important? ANS2 the father's QSN3 Who were rich enough to afford multiple lovers? ANS3 nobles and high officials QSN4 What type of family was your typical Han era family considered to be? ANS4 patrilineal QSN5 What type of marriage was thought of as a normal occurrence in this era? ANS5 Arranged marriages