Professor Fei Xiaotong (费孝通; born 1910) is a researcher and professor of sociology and anthropology in China since the 1950s. Considered by some as one of China's finest sociologists and anthropologists, his works on these subjects were instrumental in laying a solid foundation for the development of sociological and anthropological studies in China. He is currently Professor of Sociology at Peking University.
Among Fei Xiaotong's contributions to anthropology is the concept that Chinese social relations work through social networks of personal relations with the self at the center and decreasing closeness as one moves out. Among the criticisms of Fei Xiaotong's work is that his work tended to ignore regional and temporal variations in Chinese behavior.
Sociological training
Fei received his sociological training at Yenching University and Tsinghua University. He obtained his PhD from the University of London in England.
He taught at various universities in China and served in leading positions (Deputy President of the Institute of Central Nationalities, Deputy Director of the Institute of Nationalities of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Director of the Institute of Sociology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences).
He helped founding the Chinese Sociological Association which promotes sociological studies in China and is Honorary President of the Association.
Works
His main works include:
- Peasant Life in China
- From the Soil, the Foundations of Chinese Society
Awards
Awards include:
- Malinowski Prize of the International Applied Anthropology Association
- Huxley Memorial Medal of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland
- Encyclopaedia Britannica Prize
- the USA and Asian Cultural Prize in Fukuoka, Japan
- degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa by The University of Hong Kong
- degree of Doctor of Social Science, honoris causa by University of East Asia, Macau
Political positions
Fei has also made significant contributions to the development of the China's rural economy.
He holds a number of political positions, although these are mostly honorary, and he is considered by most to be active politically.
Source
Information taken from a press release of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, reworked.
See also