ABSTRACT
In prerepublican China, as social stratification had not produced a caste system, a degree of mobility existed, both in theory and in practice. Upward mobility was widely desired and noted. Schooling, scholarly activity, and medical practice were the most important channels of upward mobility. The life history of Vice-Chairman Loh illustrates how medical practice served as a channel for upward social mobility in China. The life history of Director Shen is typical of that of an educated man of the younger generation. The life history of Chairman Wang symbolizes the transitional period from the traditional to the modern educational system. The life history of Director Tai depicts the beginning of the transformation from traditional literary education to modern scientific and technical training in such areas as engineering and agriculture. During Director Tai's life, scientific and technical training in China was in its infancy.
