Various Paths and Choices of Young Scholars and Examination Candidates after the Abolition of the Imperial Examination System:A Case Study of Nanbu County in Sichuan Province
The abolition of the imperial examination system was a significant aspect of institutional and social change in the late Qing dynasty,with far-reaching consequences for subsequent generations.To alleviate the potential shock to the scholarly class caused by the abolition,the government made efforts to provide multiple paths for young scholars and examination candidates at the bottom of the academic hierarchy,such as establishing various levels of modern schools and implementing favorable policies for post-examination arrangements.In Nanbu county of Sichuan Province,young scholars and examination candidates had options such as engaging in new government affairs and private tutoring,and young scholars could even compensate for the lack of traditional academic achievements by obtaining the title of"training students".Furthermore,both the central government and local authorities in the provinces often made accommodations in school admissions and post-examination arrangements for older young scholars,examination candidates with poor performance in transitioning to new learning,and others.However,due to the idealized assumptions of the Qing government regarding schools and post-examination paths,underestimation of the influence of"examination syndrome",and neglect of the significant role of local government affairs in resolving issues related to young scholars and examination candidates from the traditional education system,the proliferation of options also brought about numerous problems and sparked a series of disturbances.This not only affected the effectiveness of government's efforts to transition from traditional education but also had many adverse effects on the operation of the new government.The lessons learned from the consequences of the excessive post-examination measures have implications and insights for education reform today.
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