Final answer:
Foot binding was a traditional practice in ancient China where the feet of young girls were tightly bound, causing them pain. It found support in Confucian thought due to the male-dominated family structure and the perception that women's value was tied to marriage and bearing sons. Confucianism had a powerful influence due to its hierarchical structure and emphasis on filial piety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Foot binding was a traditional practice in ancient China where the feet of young girls were tightly bound to prevent normal growth and caused them excruciating pain. This practice persisted until the Communist Revolution in 1949. It found support in Confucian thought due to the emphasis on a male-dominated family structure and the perception that women's value was determined by their ability to marry and bear sons. Confucian principles perpetuated the oppression of women and reinforced societal injustices.
Confucianism, as a philosophy, incorporated traditional Chinese ancestor-worship which implied sacredness for ancestral practices. This further reinforced the idea of upholding longstanding cultural practices like foot binding. The teachings of Confucius had a powerful influence on Chinese society because they provided a hierarchical structure for relationships and social roles, and emphasized the importance of filial piety, respect, and obedience.