Sociology of China: Social Structures, Morality, and Family Dynamics

Differential Mode (差序格局)

Individuals at center; relations ripple outward

Organizational Mode (团体格局)

Organizations formed first; individuals join them

Morality Basis (Western)

Relations between individuals & organizations

Morality Basis (Chinese)

Based on self-centered network of relations

Guiding Principle (Western)

Universal; equal application

Guiding Principle (Chinese)

Context-specific; relational

Sanctions (Western)

Law, constitution, formal rules

Sanctions (Chinese)

Social shame, rites, morality

Filial Piety

Key relation between Parents and Children

Kinship

Key relation among siblings

Friendship

Key relation based on sincerity and loyalty

Ren (仁)

Benevolence, kindness

Li (礼)

Rites, proper conduct

Zhong (忠)

Loyalty - to people, not institutions

Xin (信)

Trustworthiness

Qin (勤)

Diligence

Shu (恕)

Consideration for others

Ku Ji Fu Li (克己复礼)

Restrain oneself and follow rites

Apollonian Pattern

Order, acceptance, stability; maintain harmony

Faustian Pattern

Conflict, change, creativity; overcome obstacles

Emotional Orientation

Emotion = internal behavior with external expression

Understanding (了解)

Stability; mutual familiarity

Same-Sex Bonds

Lineages are same-sex based (patrilineal)

Strong brotherhood/sisterhood

Emotional ties within same sex.

Society values order

Restraint, and continuity over passion.

Stability

Achieved through self-control and role conformity.

Litigation Masters (讼师)

Songshi = troublemakers in rural China (low status). Modern lawyers = honored professionals in urban China.

Ritual-based society

Focuses on moral education, not punishment.

Law-based society

Focuses on rights, equality, litigation.

Rural Society

Governed by rituals & moral norms.

Urban Society

Governed by laws.

Goal of Rural Society

Harmony, education.

Goal of Urban Society

Protect rights.

Mediators in Rural China

Intellectuals & elders.

Outcome of Conflict Resolution

Admit fault and go home.

Modern law

Individual rights > social harmony.

Moral legitimacy

In ritual society, it does not equal legal legitimacy.

Patrilineages

Family line through male descendants.

Western Family

Nuclear, emotional structure.

Chinese Family

Extended, patrilineal structure.

Three Followings and Four Virtues (三从四德)

Follow father → husband → son; virtues include speech, appearance, morality, work.

Father-Son Relation

Father = responsibility; Son = obedience.

Emotional Attachment in Western Families

Based on emotion.

Emotional Attachment in Chinese Families

Based on duty and rules.

Key Takeaways about Chinese families

Multifunctional institutions (economic, political, moral) with restrained emotions.