Street Culture in Chengdu: Public Space and Local Politics, 1870-1930
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Di Wang, Street Culture in Chengdu. Public Space, Urban Commoners, and Local Politics, 1870-1930
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
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Subtitle: Stanford, Stanford University Press, 2003, XIV+355 p. (bibliogr., index, glossaire, fig., cartes)
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Vincent Goossaert
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Di Wang, Street Culture in Chengdu. Public Space, Urban Commoners, and Local Politics, 1870-1930
Year: 2004 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.2707
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The text reviews the book "Street Culture in Chengdu: Public Space, Urban Commoners, and Local Politics, 1870-1930" by Di Wang, published by Stanford University Press in 2003. It highlights the burgeoning field of urban social history within Chinese studies, particularly focusing on lesser-known cities like Chengdu, as opposed to more frequently studied locales like Beijing and Shanghai. Di Wang, a Chinese historian, seeks to provide a detailed account of urban life in Chengdu during a transformative period marked by the end of the Qing dynasty and the emergence of nationalist power in the late 1920s.
The Concept of "Street Culture"
One of the key concepts examined in Wang's work is the notion of "street culture," which encompasses the public space of Chengdu, including streets, markets, and teahouses. The author argues that during the Qing dynasty, public spaces were largely unregulated, allowing commoners to freely engage in various activities such as small trades, street performances, rituals, and communal celebrations. However, beginning in the early 20th century, reformers attempted to impose order on these spaces, aiming to regulate behavior and appearance in the public sphere. This regulation led to significant changes in community interactions and the representation of urban commoners, altering the dynamics of street life amidst external pressures such as military unrest.
The Role of Reforms and Resistance
Wang also addresses the reform movements initiated by various unmentioned reformers aimed at regulating public life in Chengdu. Their efforts were met with resistance from the urban commoners, who sought to maintain their autonomy in the use of public spaces. The police became key agents of this reform between 1902 and 1928; however, they struggled to enforce new regulations amidst the chaos of local conflicts and mercenary armies. Wang posits that this resistance not only led to profound changes in the culture of the streets but also played a significant role in the political engagement of ordinary citizens. The author captures the complexities of these social dynamics, highlighting how reform initiatives impacted individual freedoms and collective identities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Street Culture in Chengdu" offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of urban life in pre-modern China, focusing on the interactions between public space and local politics. While Wang provides a wealth of information through rich anecdotes and public life descriptions, the review suggests a lack of systematic analysis in addressing the broader social and political framework of the city during this historical period. Additionally, the treatment of religious institutions and practices appears to be insufficiently explored, indicating areas for further research. Ultimately, the book serves as a significant yet imperfect exploration of Chengdu's urban culture, calling for a more integrated understanding of all societal dimensions during this transformative era.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main topic of Di Wang's book?
Di Wang's book explores street culture in Chengdu from 1870 to 1930, focusing on public space, urban commoners, and local politics, providing insights into the daily life and social dynamics of the city during that period.
What methodologies does Di Wang use in his research?
Di Wang employs various sources including newspapers, local histories, and folklore to examine the urban life of Chengdu, aiming to present a comprehensive view of its street culture and the societal interactions therein.
What critiques were made about the analysis in Wang's book?
Critiques include a lack of systematic social structure analysis and insufficient attention to religious institutions and practices within the urban context, potentially undermining the overall understanding of Chengdu's cultural and social dynamics.
What types of community organizations are discussed in the book?
The book mentions neighborhood communities and guilds, noting their roles in urban life. However, it lacks a detailed examination of the religious functions and distinctions between different community types, which is seen as a missed opportunity.
How does the book contribute to urban social history studies?
Wang's work is valuable for understanding modern Chinese urban history, particularly in less studied regions like Chengdu, and highlights the political and social shifts occurring within public spaces during a transformative historical period.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Street Culture in Chengdu: Public Space and Local Politics, 1870-1930”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Religion:
The book touches on various approaches to religion, emphasizing its complexity beyond the mere assertion that it serves as an opium for the people. Various sociological views on how religion influences society are discussed, reflecting deeper analyses of religious affiliations and practices within urban cultures.
2) Book:
The book 'Street Culture in Chengdu' presents an extensive examination of urban life, public space, and its evolution from 1870 to 1930. It serves as a critical source for understanding the intersection of culture and social politics in Chengdu, documenting both historical contexts and modern implications.
3) Space:
Public space is a central theme in the book, where it is viewed as a stage for the common people’s activities, including markets and street performances. The author analyses how public spaces were contested and managed, highlighting the significance of urban space in social interactions and identity formation.
4) City:
Chengdu, the focus of the book, represents a unique urban environment that experienced significant changes during a transformative period in Chinese history. The evolution of the city is explored through its cultural practices and the dynamics of local governance and informal economies.
5) Common People (Common Folk):
The common people form the backbone of the narrative in the book, reflecting their everyday lives, struggles, and interactions within public spaces. The author highlights their resilience against reform efforts aimed at regulating their behaviors and preserving their cultural expressions.
6) Politics:
Politics is examined through the lens of local governance and reform attempts in Chengdu. The book discusses the tensions between state objectives and the realities faced by urban commoners, focusing on how political changes impacted daily life and the culture of public spaces.
7) Market:
Markets are presented as significant venues in Chengdu where common people engage in trade and social interaction. The book elaborates on the socio-economic dynamics within these markets and their role in shaping street culture and urban vitality.
8) Celebration:
Celebrations are a vital aspect of street culture highlighted in the book, where public festivals and rituals serve as expressions of community identity. These events also illustrate the interplay of tradition, social cohesion, and the tension between reformers and the common people.
9) Reflection:
The book reflects on the complexities of urban life and how various social groups within Chengdu navigate their identities. This reflection is crucial in understanding the broader historical and political context of the time.
10) Critique:
The author offers a critique of the limited perspectives in existing urban histories of China, advocating for a deeper analysis that considers the everyday experiences of the common people within Chengdu’s street culture.
11) Family:
[see source text or glossary: Family]
12) Transmission:
[see source text or glossary: Transmission]
13) Underground:
The underground economy, including beggars and thieves, is examined to illustrate the darker side of urban life. This aspect sheds light on how marginalized groups coexist and resist attempts at regulation by authorities.
14) Materialism (Materialist):
The materialist interpretations of cultural practices are critiqued in this work, which seeks to balance economic factors with cultural vitality and social identity among the common people in urban Chengdu.
15) Discussion:
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
16) Ignorance (Ignorant):
Ignorance of religious practices and institutions among reformers is noted as a significant oversight in the book. The author emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of how spiritual communities operated within public life.
17) Universe:
[see source text or glossary: Universe]
18) Vitality:
The vitality of street culture is celebrated, emphasizing how common people adapted and thrived amidst sociopolitical upheavals. This vitality is seen as a source of resistance and cultural expression.
19) Identity:
Identity in Chengdu is shaped by street culture, where public engagement and communal activities contribute to the formation of social ties and a sense of belonging among urban dwellers.
20) Freedom:
Freedom of expression in public spaces is a focal point of the book. The tension between state regulatory efforts and the common people's desire for autonomy highlights the complexities of urban governance.
21) Feeling:
[see source text or glossary: Feeling]
22) Worship:
Worship practices are acknowledged as part of the public life of Chengdu, yet they are not sufficiently examined. The book suggests that religious activities played a role in community cohesion and identity.
23) Student:
[see source text or glossary: Student]
24) Sichuan:
Sichuan is the province where Chengdu is located, offering a unique cultural and historical backdrop that influences the city's urban dynamics and the experiences of its inhabitants.
25) Sanchi:
[see source text or glossary: Sanchi]
26) Police:
The police are presented as a central agent in the regulation of public space and attempts at social reform in Chengdu, playing a complex role in both enforcing authority and responding to unrest.
27) Temple:
Temples are mentioned as critical sites of community engagement and worship. Their role in the city’s social fabric deserves more substantial exploration within the urban context.
28) Memory:
Memory, particularly collective religious memory, is briefly discussed regarding its transmission and significance among communities in Chengdu.
29) Secret (Secrecy, Secretly):
[see source text or glossary: Secret]
30) Taoism (Taoist tradition, Daoist tradition, Daoism):
Taoist practices are noted but lack adequate exploration. Recognizing their role within the cultural and religious landscape of Chengdu would enrich the understanding of the city’s street culture.
31) China:
The book contributes to the broader discourse on urban life and history in China, particularly examining how local contexts inform the experiences and practices of its inhabitants.
32) Chair:
[see source text or glossary: Chair]
33) Logic (Logical):
[see source text or glossary: Logic]
34) Agent:
The term agent is used to describe the role of the police as the enforcer of reforms and regulations in public spaces, highlighting the influence of authority in shaping urban life and culture.
35) Anti (Amti):
[see source text or glossary: Anti]
36) Pari:
[see source text or glossary: Pari]
37) Cult:
[see source text or glossary: Cult]
38) Love:
[see source text or glossary: Love]
39) Face (Facing, Faced):
[see source text or glossary: Face]