Village Life in China: A Study in Sociology

Village Life in China: A Study in Sociology by Arthur H. Smith is an in-depth sociological exploration of rural Chinese life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Smith an American missionary and scholar who spent several years in China examines the social structures customs and daily life of Chinese villagers. The book provides detailed observations on the family system local governance religion education and economic practices within Chinese villages offering a window into the traditional Chinese way of life before significant modernization.Smith also delves into the challenges faced by rural communities including poverty natural disasters and social inequality as well as the impact of Chinese cultural values on village organization. Village Life in China is a key work in the field of Chinese sociology providing historical and cultural insights that remain relevant to understanding China's rural society and its development over time. The book is a foundational text for anyone studying Chinese social structures and the history of rural China.