The Variety And Immovability Of The Differential Mode Of Association

A whimsical "idea" of Fei Xiaotong in his early years later was raised to a rigorous classical theoretical discussion.This is the current academic situation of "differential mode of association".This study tried to advance the following directions:first,it aimed to theoretically deconstruct and reconstruct theories and researches with respect to "the differential mode of association" in a reflective way,and it proposed the logical starting point of this study and basic methods for empirical study.Second,it was hoped to provide Chinese modern social transformation with a microcosmic yet thorough case by studying historical evolution(1949-2016)of local society of Wuzhuang recorded in ethnographies.Furthermore,stories of Wuzhuang were categorized as four dimensions�"superior and inferior,old and young,close and distant,male and female".These four dimensions are the fundamental perspective to observe lifestyle and social modality of Wuzhuang and are the most vital content of the classic concept"differential mode of association",with which we can view the changes in "the differential mode of association" from ancient times till now.Research proposition.Confucian institution of human relations�there should be intimacy with relatives,respect for superiors and seniors,and a prudent reserve between the sexes are the original meaning of what Fei called "the differential mode of association",whose spiritual core is"ethics-centeredness"."Ripple pattern","cobweb" and "Polaris atlas" are rhetoric of classical concepts.My core argument is that:traditional Chinese rural social structure is what Fei called"ethical differential mode of association",which has gone through "politicalizing" process of socialist revolutionary country but now gradually marches towards "market-oriented differential mode of association".Hence,the study constantly focused on discussing the changes and invariables of "the differential mode of association".The study tried to make clear that although delegation of state political power to the countryside together with a set of campaigns for shaping new generation of socialism after the establishment of new China raised the curtain of social reform of village,it was market-based work and livelihood and the urbanization after the reform and opening-up policy that played vital role in social reform of village.This course of history is accompanied by modern changes of traditional ethical differential mode of association:from ethical to political,and finally market-oriented.Furthermore,it is apparently severed from but actually connected with village tradition,as what's more important in inheritance is reconstruction.In short,the life practice based on peasant's livelihood rationality finally since the establishment of new China prompts the substantial changes of "the differential mode of association",the relational structure between people and between individuals and groups.The historical development of the differential mode of association-ethical differential mode of association,political differential mode of association turn to market-oriented differential mode of association has the research significance as follows:Above all,theoretically,it first clearly expounded on how the author distinguish the concept of from the rhetoric of "the differential mode of association";next,it was strictly stated that the logical starting point of the study considers Confucian ethos as the "original meaning" of Fei's "differential mode of association",namely "ethical differential mode of association";last,it was simplified as four dimensions for empirical observation,namely old and young,close and distant,male and female.It not only took lateral aspect of social relations(more about close and distant,male and female dimensions)into full consideration,but also tried hard to link with vertical dimension of social structure(more about superior and inferior,young and old dimensions).Moreover,it is believed that although there is tension between the two,they are possibly interlinked.Second is its empirical demonstration-oriented.It conducted a dynamic analysis of historical changes,namely the comparative analysis of traditional and modern histories,which contains socialist revolution period(1949-1977)and socialist market economy period(1978-2016);and believed that the changes and invariables of "the differential mode of association" are consistently throughout these two historical courses.Among which changes are.the main line and developmental trend,but with invariables in the meanwhile.The research conclusions are maybe not typical but have a general meaning in terms of categorization,and hence enable to view the "epitome" of transformation of Chinese rural society in the new century.