Chinese Sociology, 1898–1986

The development & dissemination of sociology in China are embedded in the social structure & tightly linked with political & economic conditions. Chinese sociology is traced from its formative years (1898-1919), through maturity (1919-1949), to its banishment & reconstruction (1949-1986). Theoretical & empirical research conducted during each phase is reviewed, & the development of educational institutions & organizations designed to promote sociology is examined; also, the most prominent sociologists & their publications are discussed. The influence of Western sociology was particularly crucial in the early years. Following the example of the USSR, the discipline was officially banished from Chinese Us in 1962. The task of its reconstruction was assigned to the Chinese Sociological Assoc in 1979, & focused on three primary goals: (1) training a new generation of sociologists & building new teaching/training institutions; (2) conducting social surveys & formulating new theories on the basis of applied research; & (3) strengthening the discipline through the introduction of theories & methodologies from foreign countries. It is concluded that the autonomy of sociology in modern China is crucial to its survival. 2 Tables, 38 References. K. Hyatt