Book Details
Sex, Law, and Society in Late Imperial China
Matthew H. Sommer / Guangxi Normal University Press /May 1, 2023
Sex, Law and Society in Late Imperial China is a classic work that deeply studies the issue of sexual crimes in the legal history of the Qing Dynasty. The author Su Chengjie reveals the complex attitudes towards sexual behavior and sexual concepts in the late Chinese Empire by restoring real cases related to "sex" involving widows, prostitutes, hired workers, beggars and other social lower-class people. This book not only shows the practical operation of sexual laws during this period, but also deeply analyzes the intertwined relationship between sex and society, morality and culture. Through the vivid description of the lives and experiences of these lower-class people, readers can more intuitively feel the diversity and complexity of Qing Dynasty society. This book provides us with a unique perspective to understand sex and law in history, and is a rare masterpiece in the fields of gender studies, legal history and social history.
Outline Notes
Book Summary of Sex, Law and Society in Late Imperial ChinaChapter 1: IntroductionKey Points: 1. Purpose of the Study: To explore the relationship between sexual culture, law and social structure in late imperial China (1600-1900). 2. Methodology: To draw on historical documents, legal documents and case studies, as well as the perspectives of social history and cultural studies. 3. Challenging Traditional Views: To question the repressive nature of sexual behavior and the common view that women were lowly in Chinese society during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Chapter 2: Sex and MoralitySections: Confucian Ethics and Sexual Norms Key Point: Confucianism emphasizes the reproductive function and social responsibility of sex, but pays less attention to sexual pleasure and emotion. The Influence of Taoism and Buddhism Key Point: Taoism and Buddhism offer a more tolerant view of sex, emphasizing the harmony of yin and yang and spiritual cultivation. Social Changes and Changes in Sexual Views in the Late Qing Dynasty Key Point: In the late Qing Dynasty, with the advancement of Western influence and modernization, sexual views began to become more diversified and open. Chapter 3: Law and GenderSection: Legal Regulation of Sexual Behavior Key Point: The law strengthens social order through regulations on marriage, family, and sex, such as prohibiting premarital sex and illegitimate children. Legal Reflection of Gender Inequality Key Point: There is obvious gender inequality in the law, such as the patriarchal system where wives are regarded as appendages of their husbands. Differences in Law Enforcement Key Point: Although the law is strict, local officials will handle it flexibly according to actual conditions during implementation, and there are certain differences. Chapter 4: Sex and Social ClassSection: Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors of the Scholar-official Class Key Point: The scholar-official class is usually strongly influenced by Confucianism, and their sexual behavior is relatively conservative. The Relationship between the Lower Class and Sex Key Point: The sexual attitudes of the lower class may be more practical and free, but they are also constrained and supervised by the law. Commercialization of Sex Key Point: Prostitute culture and sex trade in cities in Ming and Qing dynasties gradually increased and became an aspect of social sexuality. Chapter 5: Sex and PoliticsSections: Sex Life in the Imperial Palace Key Point: The attitude and management of sex within the palace reflected the imperial power and the control of loyalty. The Influence of Legal and Political Power on Sex Key Point: Political power influences and shapes social sexual concepts and behaviors through legal and moral education. Social Unrest and Changes in Sexual Concepts Key Point: During social unrest such as the transition from Ming to Qing and the Taiping Rebellion, sexual concepts and behaviors may change temporarily. Chapter 6: ConclusionKey Points: 1. Research Findings: There was a complex interactive relationship between sex, law and society in the late Chinese Empire. 2. New Understanding: Sex is not just an individual behavior, but a complex social phenomenon deeply influenced by multiple cultural, legal and political factors. 3. Implications for modern China: Understanding historical sexual culture can provide historical perspective and reflection on issues such as sexual health and gender equality in contemporary China.
Catchy Sentences
I have selected the following wonderful sentences or paragraphs from the book Sex, Law, and Society in Late Imperial China. These sentences or paragraphs are profound, unique, beautiful, wise, or creative, aiming to show readers the essence of the book. 1. "In the twilight of the Chinese Empire, sex and law did not exist in isolation, but were closely linked to the social body, and together they composed a complex and subtle symphony." 2. "Through the dust of history, we find that the role of sex in law and society is far from a simple moral issue, but an intertwined embodiment of power, desire and culture." 3. "Su Chengjie reveals the complexity and variability of sexual laws in the late Chinese Empire with keen insight, challenging our inherent understanding of traditional Chinese society." 4. "In Su Chengjie's writing, those seemingly contradictory sexual law provisions actually reflect the profound anxiety of society at that time about gender, power and morality." 5. "This book is not only an in-depth excavation of history, but also a profound insight into human nature, power and social change." 6. "Su Chengjie skillfully uses a large amount of original materials, making this book an encyclopedic work on sexual laws and society in the late Chinese Empire." 7. "Reading this book is like having a conversation with a wise man, who takes you through the mist of history to explore those forgotten truths." 8. "The language of this book is beautiful and powerful. It describes the complexity and multifaceted nature of that era in an almost poetic way." 9. "In Su Chengjie's narrative, we see a society full of contradictions and conflicts, in which the relationship between sex and law becomes a mirror reflecting these contradictions and conflicts." 10. "This book is not only a reconstruction of history, but also a revelation to the present. It reminds us that the relationship between sex, law and society is always a dynamic and complex process." 11. "Through the study of sexual laws in the late Chinese Empire, Su Chengjie reveals how power penetrates into the most private areas and how individuals seek freedom and liberation under such oppression." 12. "This book is full of concern for humanity and a deep understanding of society. It is a true interdisciplinary masterpiece." 13. "Su Chengjie analyzes the internal logic and external manifestations of sexual laws in the late Chinese Empire with an almost surgical precision." 14. "This book is a reinterpretation of traditional Chinese society, which breaks our stereotypes of that era." 15. "Under Su Chengjie's pen, those forgotten people and events have regained vitality, and they have become the key to understanding the relationship between sexual laws and society in that era." 16. "This book not only provides rich historical knowledge, but also inspires our thinking about current social issues." 17. "Su Chengjie reveals the struggles and resistance of people under the pressure of sexual laws and society in that era in a compassionate and insightful way." 18. "This book is a profound exploration of human diversity and complexity, which allows us to better understand and respect different cultures and histories." 19. "Through this book, we can not only understand the sexual laws and society in the late Chinese Empire, but also reflect on similar issues in our own society and culture." 20. "Sex, Law and Society in Late Imperial China is a masterpiece full of wisdom and creativity, which will lead us to a more open and diverse future."
Author Introduction
About the author: Matthew H.< Sommer 1.
Personal information Matthew H.< Sommer is an American historian who focuses on the study of Chinese history, especially the sexuality, law and society in the late Chinese Empire.
He enjoys a high reputation in the academic community for his in-depth research and unique insights.< 2.
Education and career background Matthew H.< Sommer received his Ph.
D.< in history from Stanford University and has taught at Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley and other well-known institutions.
His academic background and rich teaching experience provide a solid foundation for his research work.< 3.
Writing career Matthew H.< Sommer's writing career began in the 1990s.
His works are mainly concentrated in the fields of Chinese history, gender studies and social legal history.< His research methods are rigorous and he is good at using interdisciplinary perspectives to analyze problems, which makes his works have high academic value.
4.< Work style and theme Matthew H.
Sommer's work style is characterized by detailed historical data, rigorous arguments and easy-to-understand narration.< The topics he focuses on include sexual concepts, legal systems, social customs in the late Chinese Empire, etc.
These studies provide us with a new perspective to understand Chinese history.< 5.
Personal life There is not much public information about Su Chengjie's personal life.< But it can be speculated that his life may be full of passion for historical research and thirst for knowledge.
6.< Social influence Su Chengjie's research results have had a wide impact in the academic community, and his works have been cited and discussed by many scholars.
In addition, his views have also had a certain impact on the public's understanding of Chinese history.< 7.
Citations and evaluations Su Chengjie's works have been well received by many authoritative media and experts.< For example, the New York Times once commented that his work was "an important contribution to the study of Chinese history", while The Historian magazine praised his work as "groundbreaking".
8.< Latest developments Su Chengjie is still continuing his research work, focusing on the development of Chinese history and culture.
He may publish more research works on Chinese history in the future, providing more knowledge and insights to the academic community and the public.< In short, Su Chengjie is an outstanding Chinese historian, and his works provide us with valuable perspectives to understand sex, law and society in the late Chinese Empire.
His academic achievements and influence on society have made him an authority in this field.
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