Zhu Xi's She-cang and Formation of the Rural Community of the Southern Song Dynasty
As the consolidation of land during the Song Dynasty exacerbated social stratification,the divide between the rich and the poor in rural communities became increasingly acute,especially in the early Southern Song period.Survival pressures led to the emergence of diverse communities as strategies for small groups,weakening geographically-rooted rural communities.In some areas struggling to survive,the wealth disparity exacerbated by the routine spring shortages was enough to fragment these communities,which further disintegrated during famines.Consequently,establishing an effective mechanism to alleviate poverty,narrow the wealth gap,and restore rural communities became a key concern for Southern Song scholars,especially Neo-Confucianists.Zhu Xi proposed a philanthropic granary led by the gentry in rural areas to create a balanced interest mechanism:she-cang(community granary).This provided affordable grain for the impoverished,lowered local lending interest rates,and encouraged the wealthy to contribute to public service,preventing social collapse losses.In this system,the gentry,representing Confucian tradition,promoted moral cohesion.Their engagement in public service and charitable activities strengthened the spiritual dimension of the structure.Hence,a gentry-led,officially supervised rural community emerged,addressing the fragmentation caused by social stratification.Despite flaws,its enduring value beyond the Southern Song underscores the legacy of Zhu Xi's community granary for future generations.
Zhu Xi's She-cangSouthern Song Dynasty CountrysideCommunity
万方数据
维普
