Neo-Confucianism is the essence of culture. What influence did it have on female friends in the Song Dynasty？

　　The influence of Neo-Confucianism on women in Song Dynasty can be discussed from two aspects: one is the influence on women's status in social life, and the other is the influence on women's roles in family life. This influence is not only reflected in the real social practice, but also in the later theoretical thinking on the status and role of women.

　　First of all, the influence of Neo-Confucianism on the status of women in social life in the Song Dynasty can be reflected in the emphasis on women's education. Neo-Confucianism in Song Dynasty advocated "harmony between man and nature" and emphasized self-cultivation, managing the country and leveling the world. This theoretical system provided a new theoretical basis for women's education. Women's education began to be valued by the society, especially Wang Anshi's political reform in Song Renzong period promoted the popularization of women's education. Educational institutions such as women's schools and women's training came into being, which provided certain knowledge and literacy training for women and improved their social participation ability.

　　Secondly, the influence of Neo-Confucianism on the role of women in family life in Song Dynasty is mainly reflected in the combination of women's morality and Confucianism. Neo-Confucianism in Song Dynasty emphasized family ethics, and thought that a wife should be virtuous, keep the festival and ceremony, and be her husband's wife's help. This theoretical concept makes women's morality an important part of family ethics and strengthens women's position in the family. At the same time, women in the Song Dynasty were endowed with rich responsibilities in the family, and they were expected to realize the "four virtues" (moral words, virtue, moral tolerance and moral innovation) and fulfill their full obligations to their families and husbands. The popularization of this concept improved the status of women in family life in Song Dynasty and played a positive role.

　　The promotion of Song Neo-Confucianism to the status of women in Song Dynasty is also reflected in the realistic social practice. First of all, the status and role of women in the Song Dynasty were recognized in family and court politics. Judging from the relationship between women's status and political power, women in Song Dynasty played an active role in the formulation of marriage policy and participation in political decision-making. For example, the reform of the marriage system in Song Dynasty improved women's autonomy in marriage, and women's status in marriage was recognized. At the same time, some women with political talents also played an important role in imperial politics, such as Wu Zetian and Li Zhen.

　　Secondly, Neo-Confucianism in the Song Dynasty also played a positive role in promoting the status of women in the Song Dynasty. Women's literary creation and ideological activities rose gradually in the Song Dynasty, and female culturists such as Li Qingzhao and Cai Xiang became important figures in the cultural circle. These women showed their talents and independent thinking in literary creation, and put forward new thoughts and doubts about the cultural traditions and social customs at that time. Their existence and influence made women in the Song Dynasty recognized and respected in the cultural field, which played an important role in promoting the status of women.

　　However, although Neo-Confucianism had a certain influence on the promotion of women's status in the Song Dynasty, due to various factors, the promotion of women's status still had certain limitations. First of all, there is a gap between theory and reality in the status of women. Although women's status is emphasized in theory, in fact, women's social status, educational opportunities and rights protection are still limited, and many theoretical concepts have not been effectively implemented.

　　Secondly, women have relatively limited opportunities for education and social activities. Although the rise of educational institutions such as women's schools and women's training has provided some opportunities for women to learn and cultivate, there are still some limitations in the popularization of educational opportunities. At the same time, women's participation in political decision-making and social activities is still subject to various constraints, and the protection of women's voice and rights and interests is relatively weak.

　　In addition, the promotion of women's status in marriage and family in Song Dynasty was also accompanied by the bondage of family morality. Although it emphasizes the important position of women's morality in family ethics, this concept often emphasizes women's chastity and conduct, and puts forward certain restrictions on women's identity and autonomy.

　　In a word, Neo-Confucianism influenced women in Song Dynasty in many ways. It attached importance to women's education, strengthened family ethics and promoted women's culture, which provided strong theoretical support and practical basis for the promotion of women's status in Song Dynasty. However, due to the constraints of feudal society and social concepts, the promotion of women's status still has limitations. For practical significance, we should realize that the improvement of women's status is a long and complicated process, and we need to continue to work hard to promote the transformation of social customs and concepts in order to achieve real equality and respect.