An Introduction to Chinese Culture through the Family covers a central element of Chinese culture, the idea of family, or jia. Written for both beginners and specialists, this book considers the role of family--literally, metaphorically, and as an organizing principle--in the creation of the Chinese worldview. Individual chapters explore philosophy, art, language, music, folk literature, fiction, architecture, film, and women and gender.
"I like the rich diversity of important and well-written essays thematically woven around the 'root metaphor' of jia, the Chinese family. The topic of family is perennially important and is currently one of the central issues in social, moral, and political discussions. Many are turning to the notion of the family as the bedrock model for all human relationships and institutions. Chinese culture and 'things Chinese' are often viewed with puzzlement and a sense of confusion. By way of contrast this book takes the readers into the heart of Chinese culture and opens it up in ways easy to understand, yet shows, to both the novice and the scholar, the subtle interconnectedness of Chinese culture and life. This is a valuable work in Chinese studies." -- Keith W. Krasemann, author of Questions for the Soul: An Introduction to Philosophy
Contributors include Roger T. Ames, Fay Beauchamp, Lawrence E. Butler, Vance Cope-Kasten, Mary Gallagher, Howard Giskin, Kathleen M. Higgins, Linda S. Pickle, Judy Schaaf, and Bettye S. Walsh.