Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No. 3, 2022

The Theoretical Exploration of Chinese-Style Modernization in Chinese Anthropology

(Abstract)

Yang Qingmei

Throughout the course of the exploration and construction of Chinese-style modernization, Chinese anthropologists have made theoretical and practical contributions. Starting in the Republican era, they proactively explored a development path to Chinese modernization not taken by the West. In integrating Chinese realities and Western theories, they have never considered Western democracy, freedom or individualism as ready-made answers, but have always borne in mind the uniqueness of Chinese society while exploring sociological and anthropological solutions adapted to local culture. Over the past hundred years, anthropologists have approached the transition to Chinese-style modernization with a focus on the three core issues of nation building, economic construction, and intellectual enlightenment. The study of the relationship of these three aspects and their development has given rise to innovative theoretical solutions with Chinese characteristics, thus constituting a theoretical system of anthropology with internal structures and levels that are applicable to Chinese-style modernization. Chinese anthropology should take it as the basis for establishing new theoretical models.