Survival Mindset and Its Reproduction at Peking University: Analyzing the History and Reality of Peking University through Bourdieu's Theory

Author: Tian Ling
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: Peking University is a very special university. Since the May Fourth Movement, Peking University has always borne the historical burden of national politics and culture. At almost every historical turning point, Peking University has played a pioneering role. This is very different from Western universities. The author's observation is that Chinese universities do not advocate Western "academic autonomy" (generally translated as "academic autonomy," but it can also be translated as "academic independence"). It is not that Chinese scholars do not want an independent academic space, but that traditional Chinese scholars uphold "worrying about the world before oneself" and "taking the world as one's own responsibility"; their mission is "governing the country and pacifying the world." Therefore, Chinese scholars actively feel that "the rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every individual," actively participate in political discussions, and hope to contribute to the future of the country. In fact, the ancient imperial examinations required nothing more than "scholars discussing politics." Under this tradition, at Peking University, it seems that everyone bears the historical burden of saving the country and the people. As seen in the narrative of the paper, this burden is unilaterally placed on the shoulders of every Peking University student. Peking University also particularly emphasizes scientific knowledge. Her pursuit and creation of knowledge, whether in natural sciences or social sciences, are renowned. And for the pursuit of scientific knowledge, it can only be realized under sufficient academic autonomy. Accompanying this is personal value and personal autonomy. Perhaps just the opposite of the expectations of traditional Chinese society, Western universities emphasize personal liberation, value the freedom of thought, and pursue breaking through social settings. Peking University exists in this contradiction, but it also stands out in this contradiction. Tian Ling used rich data and materials, employing rigorous qualitative research methods, to reconstruct the reality of Peking University for us, vividly presenting a real and tangible Peking University. Bourdieu is a rather prominent figure in modern sociology. On the other hand, due to the tradition of academic criticism, Bourdieu, while his theories are highly regarded, inevitably faces academic criticism. This book introduces the origin of Peking University's survival mentality, Peking University's reality, and the reproduction of Peking University's survival mentality through Bourdieu's theory. The structure is reasonable, the language is detailed, and it is provided for relevant researchers to read and refer to.