Research on the Comparison between Xishuangbanna Land Allocation System and the Western Zhou Well-Field System

Author: Ma Yao and Mou Lan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2001-09-01
Features: "A Comparative Study of the Land Allocation System in Xishuangbanna and the Well-Field System in the Western Zhou Dynasty" provides new insights into the issue of slavery in Dai society and the elaboration of Marx's theory of Asiatic mode of production. Theoretical research requires continuous new perspectives, new thoughts, new explorations, and new discoveries. One of the characteristics and advantages of "Comparative Study" lies in its long-term and in-depth investigation and research in ethnic areas, based on a substantial amount of primary data, guided by Marxism for organization and analysis, thus providing a relatively complete, systematic, and rich ethnological data for scientific research. It differs from the previous travelogue-style or even sensational-seeking collection of ethnic materials. It also differs from the haphazard collection of scattered, fragmentary, and isolated ethnological data for comparative argumentation. It can be said that these vivid, solid, and rich ethnological data have laid a solid foundation for "Comparative Study."
"Comparative Study" not only investigates the existing political and economic structures of the Dai society and various aspects of the superstructure, such as culture, religion, and ideology, but also conducts a longitudinal historical examination of the ethnic origins and social development of the Dai people in different historical periods. It places the historical study of this ethnic group within the broader context of the overall historical development of the national family of the motherland, closely linking ethnic history with the overall social and historical development of the nation. It combines flat, horizontal research with historical, longitudinal comparative study. By studying the living remnants of the ancient social community of the rural commune in the contemporary society, it gradually uncovers the entire mysteries of the feudal lordship society built upon this social community. This not only enriches the understanding of the rural commune as an ancient social community in the historical records of our country and even world history but also deepens and enriches the theoretical understanding of Marx's theory of the Eastern commune. Therefore, it can be considered that the study of the rural commune in "Comparative Study" is one of its most meaningful academic contributions.