Final answer:
Historically, it is true that women who pursued careers as musicians were often negatively judged and considered to have low morals. This stigma was part of a broader societal expectation for women to remain in the domestic sphere. Efforts are being made to acknowledge and correct the historical undervaluation of women's contributions in the arts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The notion that women who made a name for themselves as professional musicians were often viewed as having low morals is historically true. In the past, the pursuit of music as a career by women was at times treated with suspicion, and professional female musicians could be subjected to societal prejudices that conflated their public performance with a perceived lack of virtue. Notable historical cases described in literature, such as those mentioned by Lü Kun, reflect a broader societal trend where women's participation in certain public or artistic endeavors was scrutinized and often demeaned. This attitude is part of a wider historical context in which women's roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, and deviations from these prescribed roles, such as earning a living through musicianship, could attract negative social judgments.
Throughout history, women in various professions, including music, arts, and literature, frequently faced discrimination and their contributions were often undervalued or attributed to male figures. This gender bias in the appraisal of artwork and music has contributed to an underrepresentation of women in historical records of artistic and musical achievements, which modern movements and historical reassessments are working to rectify. Moreover, contrary to the statement that women neglected household duties during the wartime absence of men, many women stepped into roles that were traditionally held by men and proved to be quite capable of dealing with the burdens of war.
Historically, women have demonstrated resilience and aptitude across various fields, including music, where female composers and musicians have existed, albeit often overlooked. The struggle for gender equality in the professional arts has been longstanding, with recent efforts to reclaim the legacy of female artists and acknowledge their skill and impact on cultural history.