In what way did foot-binding serve to diminish the independence of Chinese women by the end of the Song era?
a. Because foot-binding could only be afforded by the elite, poorer women were assigned to a lower social status.
b. Foot-binding, although considered socially attractive, was condemned by neo-Confucians.
c. Foot-binding sufficiently crippled women to effectively confine their mobility to their household.
d. As foot-binding was required in order to practice certain professions, Chinese women found that occupational alternatives were diminished.
e. Upper-class women considered it high status and hoarded money to pay for it.
Answer: C