02272 a2200373 4500 1040277152 20250328151430.0 250324022025GB 10 eng 9781040277157 EA Taylor & Francis GBP 49.99 BB 01 eng NHF thema GTM thema 1FPC bisac HBJF bic GTB bic 1FPC bisac HIS000000 bisac HIS008000 bisac HIS037090 bisac HIS037040 bisac HIS037050 bisac HIS037060 bisac HIS037070 bisac HIS054000 bisac 330.951225 bisac Tang Lixing Social Continuity and Rupture in Rural China I The Internal Dynamics of the Huizhou Hyper-stability Structure 1 Oxford Routledge 20250321 200 p As the first of a two-volume set examining the distinctive social structure and governance of Huizhou, China, this book focuses on the internal elements of this social functioning. From the sixteenth century to the first half of the twentieth century, Huizhou, a historic region in what is now Anhui Province in China, was characterized by long-term social stability and prosperity. Even during times of war and unrest, Huizhou was able to quickly restore order. This two-volume study explores the reasons for this stability and its relevance and implications for contemporary society. In this first volume, the author provides an insider’s view of the factors that contributed to this remarkable social stability. It begins with an account of the historical context of the region, including clans, businessmen, and non-state institutions. The book then examines the internal drivers of this stable society, including autonomous local governance based on Confucian culture, merchant culture, and clan culture, which together ensured effective leadership of various non-governmental organizations. The title will appeal to scholars and students of Chinese history, social and economic history in modern China, as well as readers interested in China’s transition to modernity. 8809 8809