Daoism in Modern China: Clerics and Temples in Urban Transformations,1860-Present

This book explores the relationship between temples and Daoism in modern Chinese religion, analyzing how historical changes have shaped the structure and organization of religious and social life. It compares case studies from central, eastern, and southern China with published evidence and research on other Chinese cities, focusing on urban centers where sociopolitical changes had the greatest impact. Contributors examine how Daoism interacted with traditional urban social, cultural, and commercial institutions and analyze the evolution of urban religious life, particularly the interactions between temple communities, lay urbanites, and professional Daoists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate relationship between temples and Daoism in modern Chinese religion, posing the question of whether they exist as separate entities or are inextricably intertwined. Through a comprehensive analysis that combines historical research and fieldwork, the author explores how modern history has shaped the structure and organization of religious and social life in China, with a particular focus on urban centers. The book compares case studies from central, eastern, and southern China with published evidence and research on other Chinese cities, shedding light on the ways in which Daoism interacted with traditional urban social, cultural, and commercial institutions. Contributors examine how Daoism responded to processes of state expansion, commercialization, migration, and urban development in modern times, highlighting the complex dynamics between temple communities, lay urbanites, and professional Daoists.

Moreover, the book delves into the evolution of urban religious life in modern China, examining the ways in which temple communities, lay urbanites, and professional Daoists interact and collaborate. A rich ethnography that provides a wealth of new historical information, this book appeals to scholars and researchers in the fields of Asian studies, Daoist studies, Asian religions, and modern China. It offers valuable insights into the complex tapestry of religious and social practices in contemporary China and contributes to our understanding of the role of Daoism in shaping the country's cultural and spiritual landscape.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367765972