What is the theme in The Death of Woman Wang by Jonathan D. Spence?

Women's rights are another theme in the book. Women have few rights in China of this period. A man can sell his wife, and rich men can buy extra women and concubines for their use. Houses of prostitution are rampant and are located not only in the cities, but in the rural countryside as well. Due to rampant wars and rebellions, as well as disease and famine, many men die early, and widows are responsible for raising children including sons. In order to raise their children, women are allowed to take control of their dead husband's property. This situation has to continue at least until the woman's sons reach maturity and can take control of the household. Widows must continue to make a living and also raise their sons. This is extremely difficult, with many women adopting the Confucian ideal of spinning yarn and making clothing in their homes at all hours, to somehow make a living.