The Quest for Gentility in China

Negotiations Beyond Gender and Class

Nonfiction, History, Asian, China, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Ethnic Studies, Popular Culture
Cover of the book The Quest for Gentility in China by , Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9781134077038
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: December 7, 2007
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9781134077038
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: December 7, 2007
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The quest for gentility has shaped Chinese civilization and the formation of culture in China until the present day. This book analyzes social aspirations and cultural practices in China from 1550 to 1999, showing how the notion of gentility has evolved and retained its relevance in China from late imperial times until the modern day. Gentility denotes the way of the gentleman and gentlewoman. The concept of gentility transcends the categories of gender and class and provides important new insights into the ways Chinese men and women lived their lives, perceived their world and constructed their cultural environment. In contrast to analyses of the elite, perceptions of gentility relate to ideals, ambitions, desires, social capital, cultural sophistication, literary refinement, aesthetic appreciation, moral behaviour, femininity and gentlemanly elegance, rather than to actual status or power. Twelve international leading scholars present multi-disciplinary approaches to explore the images, artefacts and transmission of gentility across the centuries in historical and literary situations, popular and high culture, private and official documents, poetry clubs, garden culture and aesthetic guidebooks. This volume changes the ways we look at Chinese cultural history, literature, women and gender issues and offers new perspectives on Chinese sources.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The quest for gentility has shaped Chinese civilization and the formation of culture in China until the present day. This book analyzes social aspirations and cultural practices in China from 1550 to 1999, showing how the notion of gentility has evolved and retained its relevance in China from late imperial times until the modern day. Gentility denotes the way of the gentleman and gentlewoman. The concept of gentility transcends the categories of gender and class and provides important new insights into the ways Chinese men and women lived their lives, perceived their world and constructed their cultural environment. In contrast to analyses of the elite, perceptions of gentility relate to ideals, ambitions, desires, social capital, cultural sophistication, literary refinement, aesthetic appreciation, moral behaviour, femininity and gentlemanly elegance, rather than to actual status or power. Twelve international leading scholars present multi-disciplinary approaches to explore the images, artefacts and transmission of gentility across the centuries in historical and literary situations, popular and high culture, private and official documents, poetry clubs, garden culture and aesthetic guidebooks. This volume changes the ways we look at Chinese cultural history, literature, women and gender issues and offers new perspectives on Chinese sources.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Raising Mixed Race by
Cover of the book Victims of Crime and the Victimization Process by
Cover of the book Museums, Heritage and Indigenous Voice by
Cover of the book Women and Gender in Postwar Europe by
Cover of the book China and International Relations by
Cover of the book Principles of Clinical Phonology by
Cover of the book Jewish Education and History by
Cover of the book The Great Powers in the Middle East 1941-1947 by
Cover of the book Migrant Workers In Japan by
Cover of the book Men's Sexual Health by
Cover of the book Language, Communication and Education by
Cover of the book Complexity and Organization by
Cover of the book Latino Identity in Contemporary America by
Cover of the book Stormy Skies by
Cover of the book Illusions of Equality (International Library of the Philosophy of Education Volume 7) by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy