Changes in late Qing Shanghai society

Author: Li Changli
Publisher:
Publishing Time: Not available
Features: What is the main sign of modernization in modern Chinese society? It is the modernization of people's lifestyles and ethical concepts. Shanghai was a major commercial port in late imperial China. With its urbanization and commercialization, social customs underwent a revolutionary transformation: the popularity of foreign goods, the reversal of social hierarchy, the pursuit of luxury and pleasure, women stepping out of their homes for entertainment, temporary residences for illicit affairs, and free interaction between men and women, etc. This gave rise to the modern ethical concepts of developing industry and commerce, social equality, reasonable leisure and consumption, and equal rights and independent choice in marriage for both men and women. These ideas have had a profound impact on the changes in China's modernization thereafter. The publication of this book was supported by the Youth Research Fund of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Institute of Modern History.