Sex, Law, and Society in Late Imperial China

Matthew Harvey Sommer delves into the intricate framework of sexuality during the Qing dynasty, revealing how societal norms, legal structures, and cultural practices intertwined to shape sexual behavior in late imperial China. The analysis highlights not only the laws governing sexual conduct but also how these regulations reflected and reinforced social hierarchies and moral values of the time.

Through detailed examination of historical documents and social contexts, Sommer brings to light the complexities and contradictions present within the legal system. The reader gains insight into the struggles between individual desires and societal expectations, showcasing how this dynamic shaped relationships and identity in a period often overshadowed by broader historical narratives.