Structures of Governance in Song Dynasty China, 960-1279 CE

Charles Hartman challenges the perception of Confucian political dominance in Imperial China by presenting a new model of the technocratic-Confucian continuum. This model expands the definition and scope of Song political culture to include all its actors, offering a more comprehensive understanding of governance in Song and pre-imperial China.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Charles Hartman delves into an extensive examination of governance in Imperial China, with a specific focus on the Song Dynasty (960–1279). In this groundbreaking work, he presents a novel model for understanding the underlying structures of governance in both Song and pre-imperial China. This model, known as the technocratic–Confucian continuum, challenges the prevailing notion of Confucian political dominance and provides a means to broaden the definition and scope of Song political culture to encompass all its participants. Hartman's exploration of the Song court, built upon his previous acclaimed work "The Making of Song Dynasty History: Sources and Narratives, 960–1279 CE (2021)," holds immense significance not only for its immediate period of study but also for reevaluating the nature of monarchy in China and exploring the potential for constructive political dissent.

Hartman's analysis begins by examining the political landscape of the Song Dynasty, highlighting the complex interplay between the imperial court, local officials, and the scholar-bureaucrats. He explores how these various actors interacted and influenced each other, shaping the political dynamics of the time. Through his detailed research, Hartman sheds light on the role of the emperor in the Song Dynasty, emphasizing his dual roles as both a political leader and a religious figure. He also examines the influence of Confucianism on governance, highlighting the ways in which it was integrated into the political system and used to justify the authority of the ruling elite.

One of the key contributions of Hartman's work is his development of the technocratic–Confucian continuum model. This model challenges the traditional view of a binary opposition between technocracy and Confucianism, suggesting that these two ideologies were not mutually exclusive but rather coexisted and interacted with each other. According to Hartman, the Song Dynasty saw a fusion of technocratic practices, such as bureaucratic administration and merit-based selection, with Confucian values, such as moral governance and social harmony. This fusion led to the creation of a unique political culture that was characterized by a balance between power and authority, as well as a focus on the well-being of the populace.

Hartman's analysis also extends to the broader context of Chinese history, examining how the Song Dynasty's political culture influenced subsequent dynasties and periods. He argues that the Song Dynasty's emphasis on moral governance and social harmony laid the foundation for later Chinese political systems, such as the Ming Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty. Moreover, Hartman suggests that the Song Dynasty's political culture provided a model for political dissent and resistance, highlighting the ways in which scholars and intellectuals could challenge the authority of the ruling elite and advocate for change.

In conclusion, Charles Hartman's ambitious analysis of governance in Imperial China centered on the Song Dynasty offers a fresh perspective on the deeper structures of governance in both Song and pre-imperial China. Through his development of the technocratic–Confucian continuum model, he challenges the prevailing perception of Confucian political dominance and provides a vehicle for expanding the definition and scope of Song political culture to embrace all its actors. This rich and detailed exploration of the Song court holds immense significance not only for its immediate period of study but also for reevaluating the nature of monarchy in China and exploring the potential for constructive political dissent. Hartman's work is a valuable contribution to the field of Chinese history and governance, and it will undoubtedly inspire further research and discussion.

Weight: 804g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009235648