西周시대 여성의 경제 활동 및家臣의 역할에 관한 연구— 청동기 명문을 중심으로 = A Study on the Economic Activities of Women and the Role of Retainers in the Western Zhou Dynasty:Focusing on Bronze Inscriptions

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study explores the economic roles of aristocratic women during the Western Zhou period and their involvement in the social ruling structure. In particular, it examines how zongfu(宗婦) women exercised economic authority, managed key resources such as labor and land, and maintained relationships with household retainers and grassroots organizations. Inscriptions reveal that these women actively wielded economic and political power beyond their noble status, overseeing labor distribution, inheritance, and resource allocation, including land, livestock, and grain.
Aristocratic women played a crucial role in both economic management and administration. Their relationships with household retainers were not merely hierarchical but intertwined with governance, as they assigned tasks and supervised duties. The title huangjun(皇君) in inscriptions suggests that they held significant political status alongside their economic authority. Additionally, their economic activities extended beyond family affairs, positioning them as intermediaries between the royal court and household retainers. They redistributed royal resources, ensuring the financial stability of their families.
Furthermore, aristocratic women strengthened their positions by establishing loyalty-based networks with household retainers and presiding over religious and ritual activities, reinforcing their symbolic authority. Meanwhile, household retainers played active roles in economic, administrative, and ritual functions, rather than being passive subordinates. Their land and labor holdings, often granted by aristocratic women, were closely tied to the family’s status.
This study provides a new perspective on the economic and social roles of aristocratic women in Western Zhou society. Future research should analyze a broader range of inscriptions to explore regional and temporal variations in their economic influence, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of women’s roles in the Western Zhou economic system.