Final answer:
The various perspectives on foot binding among women in historical China reveal a practice accepted due to cultural norms and societal expectations. While some women may have viewed it as necessary for enhancing marital and social prospects, it also exemplifies a cultural maladaptation that was endured for generations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The varied viewpoints on foot binding in China, particularly among women, can be understood through a historical lens. While there is evidence that many women may have accepted the practice, this acceptance was likely a result of cultural norms and expectations rather than a genuine belief in the benefits of the practice. The article suggests that the practice was a reflection of deep-seated cultural values, such as those from Confucian teachings, which emphasized women's obedience and submissiveness.
Women's views on foot binding were complex. From the evidence presented in the text, some saw it as a necessary evil to increase their prospects for marriage and social standing, since small feet were considered attractive. This perception was influenced by the prevailing consumer culture that equated beauty with small feet, shaping the standard of attractiveness and desirability. However, cultural maladaptations like foot binding were also silently endured due to the powerful sway of tradition and societal expectations, which were ingrained across generations.
On the other hand, the prolonged suffering and restriction of mobility caused by foot binding suggest that many women did not willingly choose the practice if not for societal pressure. The quote from the article stating that culture can lead to 'activities that are not only nonsensical in the extreme, but also sometimes cruel, destructive and contrary to nature' illustrates the negative impact of the practice on women's lives.