The Research On Philanthropic Act Or Project Of Pingyang Merchants During The Ming And Qing Dynasties

During the Ming and Qing dynasties Pingyang Merchant adhered to the " obtain economic profits with justice,business benefits from the righteousness" principle,actively in the social life to do some philanthropic act or project and chivalrous deed after engaged in commercial activities.Their charity activities have been praised by the people and the government’s rewards,to a certain extent,promote the development of private charity activities.This article takes the philanthropic act or project of Pingyang Merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties as the main research objects,and systematically explores the contents,characteristics,motivations and influences of Pingyang Merchants charity activities.The full text mainly divided into four parts: The first part introduces philanthropic act or project of pingyang Merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties.Mainly includes the donation as the core of public-spirited benevolence and righteousness as the connotation of protect the countryside and the people.During the Ming and Qing Dynasties,the focus of Pingyang Merchants was not only on the material support of vulnerable groups such as poor,but also pay attention to the ethical standards to itself,to make the right choice to adapt to social ethics.The second part analyzes of the philanthropic act or project of Pingyang Merchants from the perspective of beneficiaries and contributors,which is clan,localization,industry and material,regional characteristics.The third part analyzes Pingyang Merchants benevolence is based on the choice of their own righteousness and profit under the influence of the development of commodity economy,as well as is an attempt to obtain the right to speak.In addition,social promotion and encouragement of charity activities,the frequent disasters in the Ming and Qing Dynasties,and the anxiety caused by the instability of the financial and financial order,all of which prompted Pingyang Merchants to actively participate in various forms of charity activities.The fourth part mainly analysis of the effect of the philanthropic act or project of Pingyang Merchants from two aspects of society and merchants.Pingyang Merchant’s charity activity to a certain extent,make up for the deficiency of the government social assistance and relief,contribute to the formation of a stable social order,so as to promote the development of local social economy and cultural prosperity.At the same time,the merchants also through these charity activities to expand their owninfluence in local,to participate in local affairs to provide more convenient conditions.