Chinese Professionals and the Republican State: The Rise of Professional Associations in Shanghai, 1912-1937 (Cambridge Modern China Series)

Xiaoqun Xu makes a compelling and original contribution to the study of China's modernization with this study of the rise of professional associations in Republican China, in their birthplace of Shanghai, and of their political and socio-cultural milieus. 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 multidimensional complexity of modernization and nationalism in twentieth-century China, and provides a concrete case for comparative studies of professionalization and class formation across cultures. 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 Xiaoqun Xu Makes A Compelling And Original Contribution To The Study Of Modern China With This Book On The Rise Of Professional Associations In The Republican Era. Xu Focuses On Their Origins And Political And Sociocultural Milieu In Shanghai, The Center Of Their Professional Activities. This Book Is Rich In Detail About The Key Professional Figures And Organizations In Shanghai And Fills An Important Gap In The City's Social History. 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.--jacket. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. "Xiaoqun Xu makes a compelling and original contribution to the study of modern China with this book on the rise of professional associations in the Republican era. Xu focuses on their origins and political and sociocultural milieu in Shanghai, the center of their professional activities. This book is rich in detail about the key professional figures and organizations in Shanghai and fills an important gap in the city's social history. 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."--BOOK JACKET. ALTHOUGH this book focuses on such professionals as lawyers, doctors, and journalists, the following historical survey includes a broad sketch of modern sectors of urban economy in Shanghai and new occupations associated with them.