Native Place, City, and Nation: Regional Networks and Identities in Shanghai, 1853-1937

by Bryna Goodman

Overview

This book explores the role of native place associations in the development of modern Chinese urban society and the role of native-place identity in the development of urban nationalism. From the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century, sojourners from other provinces dominated the population of Shanghai and other expanding commercial Chinese cities. These immigrants formed native place associations beginning in the imperial period and persisting into the mid-twentieth century. Goodman examines the modernization of these associations and argues that under weak urban government, native place sentiment and organization flourished and had a profound effect on city life, social order and urban and national identity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780520089174
Publisher:	University of California Press
Publication date:	10/20/1995
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	367
Product dimensions:	6.25(w) x 9.25(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

Bryna Goodman is Associate Professor of Modern Chinese History at the University of Oregon.

Editorial Reviews

Goodman (modern Chinese history, U. of Oregon) describes the social organization by birthplace of Chinese immigrants to Shanghai, a traditional institution that persisted until the middle of the 20th century. She explains that because immigrants from other parts of China dominated the population of Shanghai, as of most Chinese commercial cities during the period of the study, and the urban government was weak, native-place associations played a critical role in the social, economic, and cultural organization of the city. She also traces the transformation of the associations with increasing industrialization, and their impact on modern forms of nationalism and relations between the state and society. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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