Abstract
This chapter discusses the four unique dimensions (lineage, patriarchy and patrimonialism, household division and wealth inheritance, and family as a model for the state) that collectively distinguish the family system in ancient China from those in western societies.
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Notes
- 1.
Being senior in age does not necessarily mean being senior in generation. See Levy (1949)’s discussion on role differentiation in absolute age (p. 66) and in generation (p. 140).
- 2.
The Qian Family Instruction was originally translated by Cecilia L. Chien (2012).
- 3.
http://www.china.org.cn/china/third_plenary_session/2014-01/16/content_31212602.htm, accessible on July 1, 2020.
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Chen, L., Zhu, J.A., Fang, H. (2021). Characteristics of Chinese Family System. In: Family Business in China, Volume 1. Palgrave Macmillan Asian Business Series. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51395-5_4
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