Self-interest in Chinese discourse and practice: Temporal distinctions of self

Journal article

Barbalet, Jack. (2013). Self-interest in Chinese discourse and practice: Temporal distinctions of self. Sociological Review. 61(4), pp. 649 - 666. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-954X.12080
AuthorsBarbalet, Jack
Abstract

A concept of self-interest, through which different interests relate to distinct temporal phases of selves, is examined by considering the operation of self-interest in a context in which it is frequently held to be absent. Chinese culture, frequently described as collectivist, developed intellectual traditions in which self-interest is assumed. Chinese sociologists affirm the centrality of self-interest for understanding social relationships and practices. Confucian antipathy to selfishness relates to admonishment of satisfaction of the interests of present selves against those of past selves. Variable institutional selection of distinct temporal phases of self is core to understanding major differences between Confucianism and Daoism and their respective conceptions of self-interest.

KeywordsConfucianism; Daoism; relational self; Fei Xiaotong; institutional selection
Year2013
JournalSociological Review
Journal citation61 (4), pp. 649 - 666
PublisherBlackwell Publishing Inc.
ISSN0038-0261
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-954X.12080
Scopus EID2-s2.0-84886092061
Page range649 - 666
Research GroupInstitute for Religion, Politics, and Society
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Place of publicationUnited Kingdom
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