Final answer:
In traditional Chinese society, it was important for women to have sons for cultural, social, and economic reasons. Sons carried on the family name, performed ancestral rites, and provided economic support to the family.
Step-by-step explanation:
In traditional Chinese society, it was important for women to have sons due to the cultural and social expectations surrounding family and lineage. Sons were seen as carrying on the family name, continuing the family line, and providing support in old age. They were also responsible for performing ancestral rites and ceremonies to honor their ancestors.
Sons were also valued for their potential economic contributions to the family. In a predominantly agricultural society, sons would inherit the family land and property, ensuring the family's economic stability and prosperity.
The preference for sons led to a cultural bias against having daughters, resulting in practices such as female infanticide and sex-selective abortions. However, it is important to note that these practices are now illegal and efforts have been made to address gender inequality in China.
Learn more about The importance of having sons in traditional Chinese society