Publisher Description

Xiaoqun Xu makes a compelling and original contribution to the study of China's modernization with this book on the rise of professional associations in Republican China in their birthplace of Shanghai, and of their political and socio-cultural milieu. This 2001 book is rich in detail about the key professional and political figures and organizations in Shanghai, filling an important gap in its social history. The professional associations were, as the author writes, 'unambiguously urban and modern in their origins and functions … representing a new breed of educated Chinese' and they pioneered a new type of relationship with the state. Xu addresses a central issue in China studies, the relationship between state and society, and proposes an alternative to the Western-derived concept of civil society. This book illuminates the complexity of modernization and nationalism in twentieth-century China, and provides a concrete case for comparative studies of professionalization and class formation across cultures.

Author Biography

Francis Marion University, Florence, SC

Table of Contents

List of tables; Acknowledgments; Abbreviations of frequently cited sources; Introduction; Part I. Professions and Professionals: 1. Professions in early-twentieth-century Shanghai; 2. Professionals as urban middle class; Conclusion to part I; Part II. Social Institutions, State Actions, and Professionalization: 3. The Republican State and urban associations; 4. The Republican State and the legal profession; 5. The Republican State and the medical profession; Conclusion to part II; Part III. Professionalism, Nationalism, and Politics: 6. From 'literary men' to professionals: Shanghai journalists; 7. National essence versus science: the medical profession in conflict; 8. Professionalism and nationalism: the Shanghai Bar Association (I); 9. Professionalism and politics: the Shanghai Bar Association (II); Conclusion to part III; Conclusion; Glossary; Bibliography; Index.

Review

'… interesting and evocative of the atmosphere of the times … this is an exhaustive study …' History

Promotional

In this 2001 book, Xu examines an important phase of China's modernization - the rise of professional associations in Republican China.

Review Quote

"In this book, the author examines an important, but overlooked, group in modern urban Chinese society, the middle class...the book is well written and well edited." The Historian

Promotional "Headline"

In this 2001 book, Xu examines an important phase of China's modernization - the rise of professional associations in Republican China.

Description for Bookstore

Xu makes a compelling, original contribution to the study of China's modernization with this 2001 book on the rise of professional associations in Republican China. This book is rich in detail about the key professional and political figures and organizations in Shanghai, filling an important gap in its social history.

Description for Library

Xu makes a compelling, original contribution to the study of China's modernization with this 2001 book on the rise of professional associations in Republican China. This book is rich in detail about the key professional and political figures and organizations in Shanghai, filling an important gap in its social history.

Details