Fudan Sociology Forum (Volume 1)

Author: Department of Sociology, School of Social Development and Public Policy, Fudan University
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: Sociology originated relatively late in the Western regions and is not an ancient discipline, yet it has its own origins and has flourished to this day. Without examining classical texts, one cannot understand modernity; without exploring theories, one cannot address practical issues. The pioneering efforts of the sages are not to be forgotten, and thus academic pursuits must return to their roots, starting with the source before delving into the vastness. This is self-evident. Moreover, our country's traditional scholarship, which carries its principles in literature, is genuine learning. The Xinhai Revolution was not merely a change in one nation but also a transformation of five thousand years of moral and ethical traditions. Whether it was a blessing or a curse is hard to say. As this path collapsed, literature and ethics were reduced to dust, and the study of these became vulgar, with scholars merely catering to trends and. In the past century, many scholars devoted their lives to it, yet gradually drifted away from the practicalities of matters and principles. Among them, there were a few worth mentioning, but they were merely outstanding among the mediocre. The cycles of destiny turn, and when the extreme of decline reaches its end, renewal follows. In the early years of our nation, governance was prosperous, and thus there was no need for academic pursuits. In the past two decades, however, scholarship has flourished greatly, with a hundred flowers blooming, leading to diverse schools of thought coexisting. The influence of this trend has spread through generations, with many people proud of their privacy and unrestrained in their rights, leaving behind the obligations of their homeland. The world still races, eagerly pursuing the market, selling their scholarship without the patience for cultivation and nurturing—another transformation of academia. As for those who reject other disciplines and ignore the wisdom of the past, I have never heard of such people. Recently, with the reorganization of departments, the Department of Sociology merged with the Population Research Institute to form the School of Social Development and Public Policy. It is not an exaggeration to expect the rebirth of the Department of Sociology. Now, coinciding with the centennial celebration of Fudan University and the 80th anniversary of the Department of Sociology, the faculty and staff of the school jointly organized and compiled this collection of essays.