A Study On The Interaction Of Yangming Academies And Local Society Of Ganan During The Ming And Qing Dynasties

During the Ming and Qing dynasties,there have been five Yangming Academies in Gannan.The establishment and development of these Yangming Academies reflects and also has a deep influence on the culture and historical process of Gannan.By making a comprehensive analysis of the development and evolution of Yangming Academies in Gannan,the author studies the profound interaction between these academies and local society and concludes that Yangming Academies grew up under the influence of the local society which reflects an integration of the local social order.Apart from the introduction and conclusion,this paper is divided into five chapters as follow:Chapter one: Establishment of the Yangming Academies in Gannan during the Ming dynasty.Specifically,the temporal and spatial distribution of Yangming Academies in Xinfeng county,Ganxian county and Dayu county is elaborated.It is found that Yangming Academies in the Ming dynasty were established in the context of a memorial of Yangming and the spread of his theories.Chapter two: The development of Yangming Academies in Gannan during the Qing dynasty.The reconstruction and development of Yangming Academies in Gan xian county,Ruijin county and Chongyi county is reviewed.It is found that the development of Yangming Academies in the Qing dynasty shows characteristics of officialization,partly reflecting the interest demands from different local groups as well as integration of the local social order.Chapter three: The relationship between Yangming Academies and local officials.Based on the local chronicles and historical records in Gannan,it is found that the prosperity of Yangming Academies is largely attributed to the support of local officials,out of intentions to strengthen their political influence and also the pursuit of personal fulfillments.Chapter four: The relationship between Yangming Academies and local gentry class.The local gentry provided important financial support to Yangming Academies,and also deeply participated in the principle selection,daily operation as well as the transformation of the academies,driven by their distinctive standard attributes and noble characters.Chapter five: The relationship between Yangming Academies and local cultureand education.The interactions between Yangming Academies and local schools and academies are elaborated.It is concluded that Yangming Academies and local cultural and educational institutions influenced each other and collectively contributed to the cultivation of local talents and education of people in rural areas.