ABSTRACT
This chapter is based on the theory and practice of sociology and social anthropology, and describes lineage (also family) from the perspective of the China Experience. First, the concept of lineage is explained. Second, the existing form of lineage is discussed, describing the most representative view concerning the occurrence and evolution of lineage. Third, it deals with land, state and revolution, analyzing the relationship between lineage and state (governance), discussing the impact of the lineage land economy on Chinese society, and giving a simple analysis of modern social context for the rise and fall of lineages. Finally, this chapter seeks to classify the understanding of the ‘lineage’ phenomenon and its China Experience characteristics from some sociological and social anthropological viewpoints.
