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Self-interest in Chinese discourse and practice: Temporal distinctions of self
Barbalet, Jack
Barbalet, Jack
Author
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.
Keywords
Confucianism, Daoism, relational self, Fei Xiaotong, institutional selection
Date
2013
Type
Journal article
Journal
Sociological Review
Book
Volume
61
Issue
4
Page Range
649-666
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts
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Open Access Status
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Controlled