The analysis of Chinese rural society: Fei Xiaotong revisited

Journal article

Barbalet, Jack. (2021). The analysis of Chinese rural society: Fei Xiaotong revisited. Modern China: an international quarterly of history and social science. 47(4), pp. 355-382. https://doi.org/10.1177/0097700419894921
AuthorsBarbalet, Jack
Abstract

China’s best-known sociologist, Fei Xiaotong, is widely credited with providing a general statement of guanxi relations underlying Chinese society. Examination of Fei’s celebrated From the Soil and associated publications, as well as the work of contemporary researchers, reveals Fei’s neglected Confucianism and the derivative nature of his conceptualization of “the differential mode of association.” Additionally, limitations of village-centric perspectives and the importance of nonkin relations in rural society are identified and erstwhile neglected aspects of guanxi highlighted. The article contributes to the study of guanxi and Chinese society in general by developing a sociological account of the variety and nature of social connections.

KeywordsFei Xiaotong; guanxi; lineage; nonkin relations; rural society
Year2021
JournalModern China: an international quarterly of history and social science
Journal citation47 (4), pp. 355-382
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc.
ISSN0097-7004
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/0097700419894921
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85078286995
Research or scholarlyResearch
Research GroupInstitute for Religion, Politics, and Society
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Place of publicationUnited States
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