ABSTRACT
It has been pointed out in the last chapter that the Chinese administration assumes an hierarchical structure, and that under the supreme head everybody becomes equal. This spirit is perhaps more distinctly shown in our family system. The family we may take as the most important kind of social organization : the family life becomes the basis of our social life. In another respect it forms the smallest unit in the Chinese community, and it is indeed no exaggeration to say that China, as a whole, consists of no individuals, but of families. Our ancients have laid especial stress on the regulation of the family. Thus the Book of Rites says :
