Between Officials and Merchants: The Modern Gentry-Merchants in the Midst of Social Transformation

Author: Ma Min
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: This book explores the rise of the ancient "scholar" class, the formation and evolution of the traditional gentry class, and the emergence of the convergence of gentry and merchants, extending to the formation of the modern gentry-merchant class and its role and function. It also examines the classification of the gentry-merchant class, their social attributes, social functions, and political participation, comparing them with the early bourgeoisie in the West and presenting insights on "civil society" and "public sphere." This book explores the rise of the ancient "scholar" class, the formation and evolution of the traditional gentry class, and the emergence of the convergence of gentry and merchants, extending to the formation of the modern gentry-merchant class and its role and function. It also examines the classification of the gentry-merchant class, their social attributes, social functions, and political participation, comparing them with the early bourgeoisie in the West and presenting insights on "civil society" and "public sphere."