A case could be made that Yunxian was a modern woman. What are some of the ways she balances work and family? Do you see yourself in her?

A case could be made that Yunxian was a modern woman. What are some of the ways she balances work and family? Do you see yourself in her?

I appreciated how Yunxian could find her own path. She was able to use her medical knowledge for women while also completing her expected duties (educating, foot binding and managing household). I enjoyed that she opened up the festival so that the wives could attend. Wasn't it fun to see that her mother-in-law wanted to go! This seemed realistic to me, as so often each generation changes what is acceptable from previous generations.

Given the time that she lived in, she was indeed a modern woman. Her insistence on pursuing her medicine while faced with the expectations of a woman during this time was revolutionary. Balancing her needs with family needs was very challenging for her, but she persevered.

She certainly was a modern woman. How difficult it would have been for her in those times. I worked my whole life until I retired at 65 and maintained a family of 5 and then as a single parent.

Yunxian’s determination to become an excellent midwife and healer gave her strength to take chances that could have resulted in serious consequences due to the inferior position of women in Ancient China. Women now, six centuries later, continue to struggle to reach educational and professional goals and to have a say over what happens to their own bodies.
Yunxian was responsible for her own children, husband and extended family while at the same time working as a physician in a culture that controlled women’s lives in drastic ways.
Yes, I can sympathize with Yunxian as many aspects of my life have been similar to hers. Shocking when one realizes this is the 21st century.

Given the time period and the society in which she resided she could be considered a modern women due to her ability to fulfill family obligations and practice medicine within the needed restrictions but pleasing the women she served, I have been able to fulfill family obligations without interfering with work obligations.

I think she was a modern woman in many ways. As a midwife she served her patients well and was a good example to her family too. A most admirable woman!