Event

October 10: Dr. Yang Zhang**

Associate Professor, American University

Title: “Seeing Like a Sociologist: Studying China through Historical Sociology” - The paper can be accessed here. The password is “china”. 

Time: 3:30-5:00 PM

Location: CEAS 319, 1155 E 60th St.

Discussant: Zhao Fang

Abstract:

Over the past two decades, there has seen a growing body of historical sociology research focused on China. These studies address key issues such as the rise of capitalism, revolution, state-building, nationalism, and empire, echoing the themes of classical comparative historical works by scholars like Max Weber, Barrington Moore, Theda Skocpol, Charles Tilly, and Michael Mann. However, unlike these classic studies, and more in line with recent trends in historical sociology, this new wave of research tends to focus on China as a single case, often covering shorter time periods and relying extensively on Chinese-language materials. The theorizing modes in this body of research can be categorized into four ideal types: contextualized explanation/interpretation, middle-range mechanisms, general social theory, and grand narrative. In practice, the varied modes of theorization make substantial dialogue between different approaches difficult, and this has led to divergences—and at times, controversies—in relation to China studies. This essay critically reviews the strengths and weaknesses of this body of historical sociology on China, while also discussing the factors driving internal differentiation in the modes of knowledge production within the discipline. It further examines the competitive and complementary dynamics at the intersection of disciplinary knowledge and area studies, particularly in the context of the growing interest in transnational history and global historical sociology.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions and suggestions. We look forward to seeing you there!

**This event is co-sponsored by the University of Chicago Center for East Asian Studies with support from a Title VI National Resource Center Grant from the United States Department of Education.