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The Social Life of Goodness in Chinese Societies

Mark Twain

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Published in Religion And Charity: The Social Life Of Goodness In Chinese Societies

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A Window into the Cultural Psychology of Morality

This book explores the social and cultural dimensions of morality in Chinese societies, providing a unique perspective on the cultural psychology of goodness. Drawing on extensive empirical research, the authors examine how Chinese people understand, experience, and enact moral values in their everyday lives.

Religion and Charity: The Social Life of Goodness in Chinese Societies

by Robert P. Weller

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3127 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	246 pages

The book begins by introducing the concept of "guanxi," a key social concept in Chinese culture that refers to the interpersonal relationships and networks that connect individuals to others. The authors argue that guanxi plays a central role in shaping moral behavior in Chinese societies, as it influences people's sense of obligation, reciprocity, and trust.

The book then examines how Chinese people make moral judgments and decisions. The authors find that Chinese people tend to place a greater emphasis on the consequences of actions than on abstract moral principles. They also argue that Chinese people are more likely to judge the morality of actions based on their context, rather than on universal ethical standards.

The book also explores the role of emotion in moral behavior. The authors find that Chinese people experience moral emotions, such as guilt and shame, in different ways than people from Western cultures. They argue that these differences are due to cultural differences in the way that Chinese people conceptualize the self and others.

The book concludes by discussing the implications of the findings for understanding the cultural psychology of morality. The authors argue that the social and cultural dimensions of morality are essential for understanding how people make moral judgments and decisions. They also call for more research on the cultural psychology of morality in non-Western cultures.

Reviews

"This book is a major contribution to the study of morality and social psychology. It provides a unique perspective on the cultural psychology of goodness that is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding human behavior." - Professor Richard A. Nisbett, University of Michigan

"This book is a groundbreaking work that challenges our assumptions about morality. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how culture shapes our moral values and behavior." - Professor Michael J. Bond, Chinese University of Hong Kong