Abstract: In between the late 1920s and the early 1950s, anthropology in the West expanded its research from the traditional focus on primitive tribes to civilized societies. Fei Xiaotong and Robert Redfield were two important anthropologists who spearheaded this transition. This paper offers a historical account of their contribution as well as an academic comparative review of their works. The convergence and divergence of Fei and Redfield’s academic life can be summarized in four points: (1) their unique academic background coincidentally led to both men’s engagement in studies of “folk society” during the 1930s, when anthropology and sociology were experiencing a trend of blending with each other; (2) after the 1940s, Fei and Redfield became acquainted and remained very close colleagues throughout their life time. Their friendship and collaboration were extremely beneficial to the academic career of both men; (3) in terms of methodology, Fei was more keen in pattern analysis and comparative studies, by which he believed an understanding of the whole society could be reached. Redfield was more interested in concepts and conceptual frameworks. His FolkUrban Continuum, used to explain the problems of community diversity and cultural changes, was a typical example; (4) even though they favored different methodology, Fei and Redfield both suggested a unified society on a rural and urban integrated structure. Fei and Redfield represented a parallel development of studies of civilizations in China and in the West, each with their own uniqueness and differences. Fei, like other Chinese social scientists of the time, lived through a painful period of national crisis and humiliation during his intellectual awakening. This historical burden colored the way he perceived the world and put certain strains on his knowledge.

Key words: great tradition, civilizations, small tradition
, folk society