Education and Women--Women's Education and the Awakening of Educated Women in Modern China (1840-1921) (Political and Social Changes in Modern and Contemporary China)

Author: Qiao Suling
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: The "Studies on the Political and Social Changes in Modern China" academic series is the final outcome of the "985" research project at Sun Yat-sen University of Guangzhou, focusing on the relationship between political and social changes in modern China. Politics is a broad and complex concept. This project adopts a broad definition of politics, expanding the research scope to political thought, political institutions, international environment, foreign relations, as well as significant political figures and major political events in modern China. By integrating politics and society, it examines the relationship between politics and the economy, the impact of politics on education and talent cultivation, the role of politics in social stability and civilization, and the influence of politics on foreign relations, particularly the political attitudes of key figures and the social effects of their governance theories, policies, and methods. It aims to explore the interactive relationship between politics and society from multiple perspectives and levels using the theories and methods of political sociology, and to evaluate the correctness of political ideas, propositions, and the governance of political figures based on the stability, progress, development, and degree of civilization of society. This is a new attempt. The politics of modern China emerged within a semi-colonial and semi-feudal political framework. On one side were capitalism, imperialism, and feudalism, as well as bureaucratic capitalism, which held political power in China; on the other side were the vast patriotic and revolutionary masses and various intellectuals pursuing progress and keeping pace with the times. These two sides represented the two social forces of China and reflected the two prospects of modern China. Their political ideas, thoughts, and proposals for reforming China constrained the development path of modern China. The politics of modern China is the central content and foundational background for examining the social transformation of modern China. In modern China, political power is held by the broad masses of the people, with the state's power center being the central government led by the Communist Party of China. The state concentrates its efforts on developing the economy, culture, and education, rapidly advancing Chinese society. Previous research on modern Chinese history has achieved fruitful results and significant breakthroughs in various aspects, but there are also shortcomings. For example, the key hub controlling the social transformation of modern China—political change—has been relatively weakly studied in terms of its social impact, and there is an urgent need for more research and higher standards. There is also a trend of shifting research focus from various social aspects back to the center and an objective requirement to improve from specific research to a holistic grasp. Previous political history research focused on class struggle and revolutionary movements, unidirectionally explaining the turmoil and instability caused by political change in society, as well as its impact on the economy, culture, and education. To some extent, this limited the expansion of the field and the advancement of theories in modern Chinese political history research. This project takes the interactive relationship between political and social changes in modern China as the basic starting point. Building on existing micro-level research, it establishes an innovative and era-specific macro-level interpretive system, guided by the expansion of observational scope and the deepening of research levels. Through the combination of macro and micro research and the innovation of methods, it aims to enhance research standards and open new paths. The history of modern Chinese politics is an important aspect of modern Chinese history research. Overall, past research has been characterized by both a large number of achievements and severe shortcomings, leaving considerable room for further development. Sun Yat-sen University has a strong tradition and advantage in the study of modern Chinese political thought, political institutions, political figures, and international relations. It leads the academic community both domestically and internationally in research on Sun Yat-sen and modern Chinese politics. The university adheres to academic norms, has long fostered a spirit of seeking truth and a collaborative academic atmosphere, and has great potential in multiple areas. The research on the "Studies on the Political and Social Changes in Modern China" project involves senior professors and doctoral supervisors, postdoctoral researchers, and the rest are PhD holders, forming a research team that combines experience, middle-aged, and young scholars. Each researcher explores new frontiers based on their interests and findings. Many of their works are PhD theses that received excellent evaluations from their dissertation committees after repeated revisions before being published. They have conducted specialized research on the relationship between modern Chinese politics and society from different perspectives and angles, each with its own unique strengths and contributions, demonstrating foresight and academic rigor. The "Studies on the Political and Social Changes in Modern China" academic series now presented to readers is the result of their hard work. It is hoped that these achievements will help and inspire people to understand the relationship between politics and social change from new angles. Of course, we also expect criticism and corrections from readers and the academic community.