The Philanthropy Of Shan Xi Merchants In Ming And Qing Dynasty

Ming and Qing dynasty is the prosperous period in the development of Chinese ancient social relief. During this time civil society relief activities continued to rise. Shan Xi Merchant Group during Ming and Qing dynasty actively participated in civil charity activities. They are generous enough to help their relatives and friends as well as those who were trapped in hardship. Furthermore, their charitable activities involved enormous range which reflected the good conduct of Shan Xi Merchants, and formed a benign interaction between business and society. However, their charitable behavior was influenced by many factors, especially by the historical background and its development status, which embodied their unique characteristics in different stages. Therefore, based on the analysis of Shan Xi Merchants charity behavior in different stages, we can find the relationship between the charity behavior and the rise and fall of the development process.The paper is divided into five parts. The first part is the introduction which refers to the practical and theoretical significance of the paper and the research review.The second part is the first chapter of the text which describes Shan Xi Merchants’origin, development and the charity behavior motivation. Shan Xi Merchants were not "profiteers", on the contrary they had a strong sense of social responsibility. Their donation acts supported the cause of China’s unification in Qing dynasty, which embodied their patriotic spirit. Additionally, their good deeds embodied their caring about those who needed help and their willing to undertake the social responsibilities. Shan Xi Merchants’good deeds could be seen every dynasty, yet their charitable activities reached to the utmost highly level in Ming and Qing dynasty which was affected by various factors. Therefore, it will reveal some relevant reasons in this chapter by abundant historical materials.The third part is the second chapter, is the part of the core. Discuss the charity behavior in different stage. They participated in disaster relief during Ming Dynasty. They had rich economic strength during the Qing Dynasty to the early Qing (Qing Emperor Guangxu years),they made a positive contribution to society. This time merchant group activities continues to improve, look at the hall of development, you can find it.During the end of the Qing Dynasty,with the decline of Shan Xi merchants, their charitable activities also were fading,even though they also contributed to society.The fourth part is the third chapter, to sum up, we can find the characteristics and significance of Shan Xi Merchants engaged in charitable activities.The fifth part is the conclusion part, summarize the whole paper.