Qing Elite: Beyond Han Assimilation
November 2022
London School of Economics (LSE)
Introduction
Dive into the intriguing world of Qing dynasty's elite with Nora Yitong Qiu's eye-opening LSE PhD thesis. Ever wondered if China's rulers always wore the Han cultural cloak? Spoiler: not quite! Discover how Qing's top dogs, the Manchus and Mongols, rocked their distinct styles, from luxe furs to hunting rings, and maybe didn't fully blend into the Han majority. It's a tale of power, identity, and fancy archery rings. Ready to unravel the fabric of China's past?
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Puzzles of Power and Identity
Imagine a world where the clothes you wear, the decorations in your home, and even the books on your shelf tell a story not just about you, but about the history of an entire nation. This is the fascinating puzzle of China's Qing dynasty. For centuries, historians have debated whether China has always been ruled by a Han elite or if other culturally distinct groups have left their mark on this vast empire. The Qing dynasty, with its Manchu and Mongol rulers, challenges the idea that China was always under Han control. This matters because it shows us that cultures can blend and adapt in surprising ways, influencing everything from fashion to government policy. Understanding this can help you appreciate the rich tapestry of world history and see the complexity behind what might seem like simple facts. It's a reminder that identity and power are always in flux, and studying them can reveal unexpected stories about our past.
Speak like a Scholar
Dynasty
A series of rulers from the same family or group, often maintaining power for generations.
Assimilation
The process by which a person or a group's language and/or culture come to resemble those of another group.
Proto-ethnic identity
The original ethnic identity or heritage of a group before they might blend or assimilate into a larger culture.
Material culture
The physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture.
Ethnography
The scientific description of peoples and cultures with their customs, habits, and mutual differences.
Tributary missions
Diplomatic missions from one country or leader to another that acknowledge the superiority of the latter, often involving gifts or payments.
Independent Research Ideas
The role of fashion in cultural identity
Explore how clothing and fashion served as symbols of identity and power in the Qing dynasty and compare this to another historical period or culture. This could reveal how fashion can be both a personal choice and a political statement.
Material culture and power dynamics
Investigate the relationship between the possession of luxury goods and power dynamics within the Qing dynasty. This could offer insights into how material culture reflects social hierarchies.
Assimilation vs. cultural preservation
Study the balance between cultural assimilation and the preservation of proto-ethnic identities in multi-ethnic empires, using the Qing dynasty as a case study. This could shed light on the strategies different groups use to maintain their cultural identities.
Influence of foreign goods on domestic policy
Examine how the introduction and acceptance of foreign luxury goods in the Qing dynasty might have influenced China's policies towards trade and diplomacy. This could highlight the impact of cultural exchanges on national policy.
Evolution of ethnic identities
Research the evolution of Manchu and Mongol identities over the course of the Qing dynasty, focusing on how these identities were maintained, adapted, or transformed. This could provide a deeper understanding of how ethnic identities evolve over time in response to political and cultural pressures.
