Chinese Journal of Sociology ›› 2010, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (5): 1-24.

• Articles •     Next Articles


Charisma,Publicity, and China Society: Rethinking of “Chaxu Geju”


Zhang Jianghua   

  1. Sociology Division,eInstitute of Shanghai University; Institute of Anthropology, Department of Sociology, Shanghai University
  • Online:2010-09-20 Published:2010-09-20
  • Contact: Author: Zhang Jianghua, Sociology Division,eInstitute of Shanghai University; Institute of Anthropology, Department of Sociology, Shanghai University E-mail:E-mail: jhzhang903@hotmail.com
  • About author:Author: Zhang Jianghua, Sociology Division,eInstitute of Shanghai University; Institute of Anthropology, Department of Sociology, Shanghai University

Abstract:

 The discussion in the current research concerning Fei Xiaotong’s notion of Chaxu Geju concerns the differences in the relationships between the individuals and the other social members in various categories. But the author thinks the same pattern can be found in any culture, there must be some deviations if we discuss it just from this angle. Fei Xiaotong insisted that there were two kinds of social collectivity, the group, formed out of Tuanti Geju; and the social circle Shehui Quanzi, formed out of Chaxu Geju. The social structural difference between the East and the West is not that the West has groups only and that the East has Shehui Quanzi only. Instead, the difference lies in the function of Chaxu Geju: In China, it is the social organizations resulting from Chaxu Gejuthat have occupied the dominant and guiding positions. The public sphere in China is actually an extension and transformation from the private sphere, or, at least, is dominated by the private sphere. that Consequently, offering publicity in Chinese society, to a considerable extent, is dependent upon the morality of one or several individuals at the center of the configuration of distinctions.

Key words: Chaxu Geju , charisma  ,  publicity  ,  Chinese society  ,  structure