Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
stratified society, there to help a child to rise in the world—rather they taught the merits
of keeping to one's place. Most instruction was, like that of
samurai
children, in writing,
and in copying moral texts (
90
). However, there was also a social side, when the pupils
wouldputonanexhibitionofwork,andtheparentswouldcomeandadmire,helpwithand
partake of the refreshments, and give the teacher a present. Presents would also be forth-
coming at the New Year and at the boys' and girls' festivals, in addition to the regular fees
(oftenlefttothediscretionoftheparents)andextraexpenses,suchasachargeforcharcoal
for heating in winter.
Itisprobablethatmoredaughtersofmerchanthomeswenttoschoolthanthoseofother
classes. Women played a considerable part in the running of shops and trading concerns,
if only to see to customers and clients when their husbands were out on business. Even in
concerns that had a paid manager, and clerks and other assistants, the boss's wife often had
a great deal of authority. At school these women had learned how to read and write, and
were thus able to deal with correspondence and the accounts.
(89) Hanging out the washing. A
kimono
was taken apart to be washed, the material then
being starched and stretched out to dry.
