Chinese Journal of Sociology ›› 2010, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (2): 20-44.

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An Ethnically Mixed Village under Clan Control: From the Perspective of Cultural Nexus of Power

Zhang Heqing,Department of Sociology and Social Work, Sun Yatsen University   

  1. Zhang Heqing,Department of Sociology and Social Work, Sun Yatsen University
  • Online:2010-03-20 Published:2010-03-20
  • Supported by:

    This research was supported by The Keswick Foundation and Misereor Foundation, and supported by “211” and “985” project Foundation, Sun Yatsen University

Abstract:

From the perspective of cultural nexus of power, this article profoundly presents the political structure of an ethnically mixed mountainous village, Benglan Hecao in Yunnan Province, which was traditionally controlled by the main clan and Bimuo the Chief. The author argues that the sociopolitical situation before 1949 was manipulated by the main clan and Bimuo the Chief, who acquired their authority and legitimacy by the rural cultural nexus and played an organizational leadership role in this cultural power nexus. Via manipulating the rural cultural nexus (the intraclan kinships and religious beliefs and inter-clan relationships), the main clan and its Chief Bimuo were firmly in control of this rural society.

Key words: children's feedback, rural-urban differences, parents' support, cultural nexus , main clan control , power