Fei Xiaotong (1910-2005) is one of the most prominent sociologists and anthropologists in Chinese history. His work played a pivotal role in shaping modern Chinese thought on rural development, ethnic identity, and social change.

Fei’s academic achievements, research methodologies, and contributions to China’s intellectual and social landscape have made him a significant figure in both Chinese and global academic circles.

Early Life and Education

Born into a scholarly family in Jiangsu Province, Fei Xiaotong showed an early interest in academics and social issues. His family background gave him access to classical Chinese education, but he soon became captivated by Western ideas when he entered university. Fei studied anthropology at Yenching University in Beijing, where he was deeply influenced by Western scholars and their research methods. His subsequent work earned him a position as a pioneer in combining Western sociological theories with an understanding of Chinese culture and society.

Fei’s pursuit of knowledge led him to the London School of Economics, where he studied under the famed anthropologist Bronisław Malinowski. This period solidified his approach to fieldwork, focusing on direct observation and participation in the communities he studied. Fei’s time in the UK also opened him up to broader global perspectives, which he would later apply to his analysis of rural China.

Contributions to Rural Sociology

Fei Xiaotong is best known for his groundbreaking studies on rural Chinese society, particularly his research on the village of Kaixiangong in Jiangsu Province. His book Peasant Life in China (1939) is a seminal work that delves into the complexities of rural life in pre-revolutionary China, exploring the social, economic, and cultural aspects of village life.

One of Fei’s key contributions was his exploration of the “differential mode of association” (chaxu geju), a concept that describes the way Chinese social relations are structured like concentric circles, with the self at the center and social obligations expanding outward. This contrasts with Western ideas of fixed social roles, suggesting a more fluid, relationship-based system of social organization in China.

Fei’s research emphasized the importance of understanding rural communities in their own context rather than imposing foreign frameworks. He advocated for integrating traditional Chinese practices into modernization efforts, arguing that a one-size-fits-all approach to development would not succeed in China’s diverse and deeply rooted rural society. His fieldwork demonstrated how traditional Chinese values and structures, such as the importance of kinship and communal ties, shaped local economies and governance.

Theoretical Innovations and Key Works

Apart from Peasant Life in China, Fei’s other key works include Earthbound China (1945) and From the Soil (1947). In From the Soil, Fei elaborated on his theory of Chinese social organization, using the metaphor of soil to describe the deeply ingrained and organic nature of Chinese social structures. The book remains a fundamental text in Chinese sociology and is still widely read by scholars interested in China’s rural past and present.

Fei’s theories on social relationships and rural life are closely tied to his concept of “local knowledge,” emphasizing that social scientists must immerse themselves in the lives of the people they study to truly understand their perspectives. He championed a holistic approach, encouraging scholars to consider historical, cultural, and environmental factors in their analysis of rural development.

Ethnic Studies and Later Work

In the later part of his career, Fei Xiaotong shifted his focus toward ethnic minority groups in China. His research on ethnic relations and identity helped lay the groundwork for China’s modern ethnic policies. Fei stressed the importance of national unity while recognizing the diversity of China’s many ethnic groups. His contributions were instrumental in developing policies aimed at integrating ethnic minorities into the broader Chinese social fabric while preserving their unique cultures.

Fei’s approach to ethnic studies was pragmatic, advocating for policies that respected cultural differences while promoting socioeconomic development. He believed that modernization did not have to come at the expense of cultural heritage and was a strong proponent of policies that allowed ethnic groups to preserve their traditions while improving their living standards.

Impact and Legacy

Fei Xiaotong’s influence extends far beyond the borders of China. His work has been widely recognized internationally, and he was one of the few Chinese scholars to gain a global reputation in the field of sociology and anthropology. His ability to bridge Eastern and Western perspectives made his work particularly relevant in cross-cultural studies. Fei received numerous accolades throughout his life, including election to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and an honorary doctorate from the University of Hong Kong.

Despite facing political challenges during his career, including persecution during the Cultural Revolution, Fei remained committed to his research and teaching. After being rehabilitated in the 1980s, he resumed his academic activities and continued to influence policy debates in China, particularly in the areas of rural development and ethnic relations.

Fei Xiaotong’s work remains an essential reference for scholars studying China’s social evolution, particularly in the context of rural and ethnic studies. His unique perspective, combining Western sociological methods with deep knowledge of Chinese traditions, continues to inform contemporary debates on development, identity, and modernization in China.