ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on lineages in treating associations as an important part of the ritual economy that transcends kinship. Traditionally, Chinese society had a very rich associational life. Many traditional associations emerged against the background of migration and sojourning, especially in traditional urban society. In the 19th century, this traditional form of associations was supplemented by the modern form of associations. In various shapes, the conceptual framework of corporatism is the most widely used in studying associations in contemporary China. Associations gain legitimacy if they pursue a public interest, and they become legally acknowledged if this is also endorsed by the government, and eventually formalized in their registration with the Bureau of Civil Affairs. Assuming a leadership position in an association is a signal of social status. Traditionally, and in most associations also today, leaders are expected to sponsor the association financially.
