This book is a historiographical study of the economic history of the Qing dynasty that systematically examines the research paradigms underlying the range of historical studies conducted over the past century.
In reviewing historical studies of the economic history of the Qing dynasty from an epistemological and methodological perspective, the book explores how this research area emerged and developed and explores the three major paradigms that dominate the field: the revolutionary historical paradigm based on productive relations; the modernization paradigm centring on productivity and the Chinese-centric approach that seeks to understand the internal momentum of economic development. It is shown that shifts in paradigms derive not only from the linear derivation of academic ideas but are also closely related to wider changes in society and social discourse. Hence, the author proposes an approach that studies economic and social history with an emphasis on social practice, shedding light on a better understanding of the direction of China’s economic history.
The title will benefit scholars and students interested in economic history and modern Chinese history.
1. Introduction: Paradigms and Paradigm Shift in the Studies of Qing China's Economy History 2. The Beginnings of the Studies of Qing China's Economy History and its Social Science-Oriented Trends 3. The Studies of Qing China's Economy History with a Focus on Production Relations 4. The Studies of Qing China's Economy History Guided by the Modernization Paradigm 5. The "Chinese-centric" Approach and the Studies of Qing China's Economy History 6. Conclusion: Towards a Practice-Based Economic and Social History
Biography
Zhu Hu is a Professor at the Institute of Qing History, Renmin University of China. His major research interests include the history of famine in China and the history of the late Qing dynasty.
