A Historical Review Of The Small Liangshan Yi Clan Marriages Of Rural Households Since The Late Qing Dynasty

The culture of marriage evolves with the development of society, but in a different pace of movement. Historically, intermarriage between family clans in Xiaoliangshan Area is vital for maintaining family interest and sound internal relations. Since the establishment of People’s Republic of China in1949, the traditional marriage form is still wild spread in the area, for instance consanguinity marriage, hierarchal endogamy, and clan-external marriage. The concept of blood relationship, hierarchy and family clan in Yi ethnic have suffered great impact under new state policy ever since democratic reform and the Opening-up of China. However, family clan still plays a significant role in terms of marriage preference and marriage practice in rural Xiaoliangshan Area. The invisible but existing blood relation and hierarchy are two important factors to be considered in a marriage. This paper examines the intermarriage of Jiari Family in Xiaoliangshan Area since late Qing Dynasty and the forms of intermarriage with its characteristics of rural Xiaoliangshan Area in different historical times. It analyzes the factors affecting marriage preference and the role of family clan in Yi marriage relations and the structure of social relations in the area. The paper aims to better understand the social conflict and mutual adaptation between a traditional community and modern society in the process of social change.