Abstract:

This paper discusses the social status and reputation of the scholars from the perspective of social stratification. Although it cannot be denied that the status of the scholars as a group has been on the rise during the socioeconomic development and in the nation’s strategic plan， and that they have enjoyed gains in finances and social status， it is not yet the time to say that they are the beneficiaries of the reform. Scholars’ involvement in social reality does not necessarily predict an improvement of their power or reputation. As the traditional scholar image is being undermined today， what the scholars need is more than selfreflection or selfdiscipline， because selfdiscipline by scholars alone is not the radical resolution to the problem. Facing such complex social strata (e.g.， the problem of crossstrata hatred)， scholars should not passively accept strata rebuilding.

Key words: intellectuals, reputation, scholars, status