Final answer:
The Han dynasty Confucians played a role in the discrimination against and oppression of women in China. Confucianism, a highly patriarchal philosophy, perpetuated and exacerbated the subordination of women by reinforcing the male-dominated family structure and promoting harmful practices like female infanticide and foot-binding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Discrimination against and oppression of women in China can in part be blamed on the Han dynasty Confucians. Confucianism is a philosophy that is highly patriarchal and led to the subordination of women. It perpetuated and exacerbated the oppression of women, as they had no standing in the male-dominated family structure. Girls were considered an expense and practices such as female infanticide and foot-binding were prevalent.