Confucian Culture Research Articles

Exploring the concept of learning power from a Confucian perspective

PurposeThis study explores the concept of learning power (LP) from a Confucian context, through a quantitative and heuristic phenomenological study. Despite that LP has emerged in the English academic literature to include various dimensions within different frameworks, there is a knowledge gap on the concept from different cultures, particularly the Confucian culture. Teachings of Confucius in the Analects emphasize the concept of love of learning (haoxué 好学), and modern literature in the Chinese language reveals various dimensions and frameworks of the concept of LP. However, no previous reviews or connections have been conducted.Design/methodology/approachConducted in two phases, the first phase of the study, through a systematic literature review, utilizing the PRISMA statement, of Chinese academic publications, seeks to explore the complex constructs of LP across multiple studies. The second stage of the study explores themes of LP from English translations of the Analects (17:8) by comparing different translations to understand meanings through highlighting the interpretative choices made in five significant translations from different time periods and cultural backgrounds.FindingsThe review reveals eight frameworks of LP from modern Chinese academic literature and codes them into three approaches of conceptualizing LP. The comparison of translations provide insightful interpretations of six key virtues related to the love of learning, namely, ren 仁 (benevolence), zhi 智 (wisdom), xìn 信 (faithfulness), zhi 直 (uprightness), yong 勇 (courage) and gang 剛 (impregnability) and six related consequences of a narrow vision in learning.Originality/valueThe findings of this study reveal valuable insights into themes of LP, namely, motivation to gain knowledge towards a goal, persistence towards the goal while maintaining rational actions, being sincere to learning and considering consequences, critical thinking with respect, interpersonal awareness and the building of wisdom by learning experiences. Two implications are discussed, particularly from educational philosophy and educational psychology perspectives. This paper provides insights for future research directions on the dimensions of LP in general, and from a Confucian perspective in specific.

A Brief Analysis of China's Participation in Global Governance with Confucianism

This study employs Alexander Wendt’s constructivist theory as its analytical framework to examine the evolving role of Confucian culture in global governance and its shaping mechanisms in China’s diplomatic practices. Grounded in the proposition that “ideas construct interests and culture shapes identities,” it reveals how contemporary China creatively reinterprets core Confucian concepts—such as harmony in diversity (he er bu tong), the spirit of harmony (hexie jingshen), and the tianxia system—to construct a discourse system for global governance rooted in civilizational subjectivity. Confucius’ philosophical tenets of ren (benevolence) and the ethical order of “self-cultivation, state governance, and global peace” (xiu shen qi jia zhi guo ping tianxia) provide cultural foundations for the vision of a “community with a shared future for mankind, ” extending individual moral practice into international normative frameworks and elucidating culture’s role in identity construction. This bidirectional interplay of cultural identity and norm-building not only legitimizes China’s peaceful development path but also counters the “China Threat Narrative” by reshaping the cognitive framework of “national identity–international responsibility. ” Confronting global developmental challenges and civilizational conflicts, China’s innovative reinterpretation of Confucianism proposes new norms for international relations, positioning the “shared future” vision as a theoretically grounded and pragmatic global governance framework.

Unveiling the Traditional Philosophy Behind the Origins of the "Yikeyin" Residential Layout in Central Yunnan

This article explores the influence of Confucianism, Taoism, and folk culture on the layout of Yikeyin dwellings in central Yunnan, addressing three key objectives: (1) summarizing Yikeyin’s layout features; (2) identifying the philosophical meanings embedded in its design; and (3) investigating why these philosophies influenced its architecture. Through historical analysis, field studies, and interviews, the study found that Confucianism emphasized family unity, hierarchy, and symmetry; Taoism promoted harmony with nature, particularly in courtyard design; and folk culture added symbolic elements like protection and prosperity. The study highlighted how these philosophies shaped Yikeyin’s layout through symmetry, spatial organization, and courtyard design, and explained their influence through historical migration, path dependence, and craftsmanship. This research offers insights for preserving the cultural and philosophical heritage of Yikeyin architecture.

Exploring Chinese house prices affordability in the context of confucian culture

Considering the notable influence of traditional Confucian culture on China’s housing market, this study introduces an innovative index to quantify the magnitude of the real estate bubble within China, employing a familial generational iterative model. Utilizing rent-buy policy as a conceptual framework, our research constructs a difference-in-differences model to investigate the impact of macroeconomic policies on the housing bubble phenomenon. Empirical observations from 2022 reveal pronounced bubble dynamics in first and second-tier cities, while housing prices in third and fourth-tier cities, alongside select fifth-tier cities, exhibit a declining trend. On a national scale, apart from minor affordability observed during 2005–2007, no significant affordability was identified in other years, with the housing price bubble index demonstrating a downward trajectory from 2020 to 2022. Furthermore, the implementation of the rent-buy policy that equality the rights of renter and owner has directly influenced the housing market, notably mitigating the overall escalation of housing prices. Additional analysis indicates that the rent-and-buy policy has been more successful in curbing price hikes in newly constructed and smaller-sized housing units compared to second-hand and larger-scale properties.

Metaphors and Stigma in Confucian Culture: A Qualitative Study of Cancer Risk Communication Dilemmas for Cascade Screening Among Hereditary Cancer Families From China.

The rate of cascade screening in China is very low, and little attention has been given to the communication of cancer risk. It is important to explore Confucian perspectives to identify cancer risk communication dilemmas for cascade screening among hereditary cancer families in China. This study aimed to gain insight into the processes and barriers of cancer risk communication for cascade screening among hereditary cancer families from the perspective of probands with hereditary cancer within the special Confucian cultural context of China. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 probands with hereditary cancer. Thematic analysis was conducted by two researchers. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research was used to guide this article. Three major themes related to the processes and dilemmas in cancer risk communication for cascade screening among hereditary cancer families from China emerged: Confucian metaphors framing hereditary cancer as moral condemnation; Social stigma amplifying collective silence; Hereditary cancer means family doom due to poor communication about cancer risk. The findings of this study highlight the urgent need to integrate cultural factors into cancer risk communication and cascade screening strategies for hereditary cancer families in Confucian cultural contexts. By understanding and addressing the impact of Confucian metaphors and social stigma, it is possible to develop more culturally appropriate and effective communication models, which can improve the participation rate of cascade screening, reduce the psychological burden of families, and ultimately improve the prevention and treatment outcomes of hereditary cancer.

Confucian Culture and Corporate Innovation

Confucian Culture and Corporate Innovation

Virtue over Deception: Confucian Culture and Corporate Greenwashing Behavior

Virtue over Deception: Confucian Culture and Corporate Greenwashing Behavior

Does Confucian culture make firms more generous?

Does Confucian culture make firms more generous?

Governance Mechanisms of Confucian Culture on Sewage Discharge of industrial Enterprises: Considering the Mediating Role of Public Environmental Concerns

Based on the data consisting of 3743 city-year observations in China from 2011 to 2022, this study utilizes the multi-dimensional fixed-effects panel regression models and the Bootstrap test method to analyze the impact of Confucian culture on the sewage discharge of industrial enterprises as well as the mediating role of public environmental concerns in the relationship between the two. The empirical results show that Confucian culture, as a representative of environmentally friendly social culture, can significantly improve the situation of sewage discharge of industrial enterprises. The mechanism analysis suggests that Confucian culture greatly improves public environmental concerns by effectively shaping and guiding public attitudes and behaviors, which in turn strengthens informal environmental monitoring and inhibits sewage discharge of industrial enterprises. In addition, this study further confirms that that the informal environmental monitoring mechanisms (Confucian culture, public environmental concerns) and formal environmental monitoring mechanisms (government environmental regulations) can play a synergistic and strengthening role in the governance of sewage discharge

Hero and Father: Contrasting Leadership Styles in the USA-China Rivalry

Abstract The competition between the USA and China spans many levels. This article examines the differences in leadership between the two countries through Jungian psychology. The USA embraces the hero archetype influenced by ancient Greek ideals and also incorporates the father archetype to a limited extent due to its Christian heritage. In contrast, China, deeply influenced by Confucian culture, maintains the significant role of the father archetype even under Communist leadership. Through comparative mythology and discussion of political discourse, this research illuminates how archetypal narratives continue to shape power dynamics in the twenty-first century. The commentary ends with criticism of some of the excesses generated by over-identification with the two patriarchal archetypes.

A comprehensive review of research on Confucian culture

This study analyzes the background of Confucian culture, measurement approaches for assessing its influence intensity, and its multidimensional impacts across macro and micro levels. At the macro level, Confucian cultural values facilitate professional ethics cultivation among workers to promote economic growth, while its political philosophies offer alternative perspectives to Western democracy. Socially, it strengthens trust networks and shapes credit-friendly business environments. Micro-level effects manifest through enhanced corporate ethics, improved social responsibility commitments, elevated innovation performance, diversified board compositions, and optimized employee compensation structures. The research emphasizes the necessity of critical inheritance - preserving Confucian wisdom through modern value integration while discarding outdated elements.

Cultural Construction of D.C. Lau’s Paratexts in His Translation of The Analects

Paratexts, which exist alongside the main text, are characterized by their diversity, completeness, and systematic nature. As crucial carriers of culture, they are rich in cultural features. In translation, paratexts play a crucial role in conveying cultural meaning, especially when translating works like The Analects, which are deeply embedded with Confucian culture. As a must-read for western scholars seeking to understand Eastern culture, D.C. Lau’s translation of The Analects leverages paratexts effectively to achieve cultural construction. His primary method for cultural construction is supplementation, followed by interpretation and commentary. Although he also employs comparison between ancient and modern Chinese culture, as well as between Chinese and Western cultures, this method is used sparingly. Unlike early overseas sinologists who interpreted Chinese culture through applying western philosophical elements and figures like Jesus, Lau’s approach is characterized by using Chinese cultural perspectives to explain Confucian culture. Through these four methods, Lau’s paratexts effectively reconstruct the rich cultural context of The Analects, restoring the authentic image of Confucian classics, the sage identity of Confucius, and his wise sayings that have been revered by the Chinese people for millennia.

Aesthetic Analysis of XU Beihong’s Calligraphy Characteristics toward Creating Functional Artworks

This research aims to analyse and study the Xu Beihong calligraphy identity, as well as to create functional art inspired by this identity. The research methodology is the combination of calligraphy and design using various methods, including surveys, literature, experimental, interdisciplinary, and inductive/deductive approaches. The study consists of three phases: preparation, study, and evaluation, with a focus on Xu Beihong's calligraphy style and its connection to functional art creation. Morover, this study utilises expert interviews, questionnaires, the Index of Project Objective Congruence (IOC), and an expert rating scale to evaluate contemporary functional art influenced by Xu Beihong's calligraphy. This study explores the use of Chinese calligraphy, a recognised intangible cultural heritage, to create a functional art system that integrates oriental aesthetics and modern design concepts for industry upgrading. Furthermore, cherry wood is a popular choice for creating functional artwork, especially Chinese-style stationery, due to its beauty, durability, stability, and processing performance. It's 37% more preferred than benchmark wood but has higher prices due to rarity and processing difficulty. Conclusion, the Chinese stationery set "Dignified and Respectful: Becoming Stronger Every Day" features five pieces inspired by Xu Beihong's calligraphy, integrating calligraphy art with functional art. The set embodies Confucian culture's spiritual core, representing virtue, respect, harmony, and self-improvement. The design bridges tradition and the present, showcasing the power of Confucian culture in a modern design language.

Inheritance and Development of Self-Love: A Measurement Based on Chinese Adults.

Self-love is a fundamental psychological construct cultivated throughout human history. In Confucian culture, it is considered the ultimate Ren, while in ancient Greek thought, it serves as the center from which love radiates. Previous qualitative research identified five dimensions of self-love, but these lacked quantitative validation. This study developed the Chinese Adult Self-Love Scale (SLS) based on prior qualitative findings, constructing an initial item bank of 90 statements. The first study assessed the item relevance and clarity, resulting in a preliminary 68-item scale. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of 456 participants refined it to a 22-item scale with five indicators. The second study, with 929 participants, examined its reliability and validity. Cronbach's α exceeded 0.75, and the test-retest reliability after six weeks was 0.66. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the scale's validity (CFI = 0.91, TFI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.048). This study highlights self-love's inheritance and development among Chinese adults, as well as its cross-cultural commonalities. It provides a valid, reliable tool for measuring self-love and offers a theoretical foundation for future cross-cultural research. While limitations exist, the findings suggest promising directions for further exploration.

The Complex Context of STEM Teaching for Female, Ethnically Diverse Preschool Teachers in Hong Kong: A Concerns-Based Adoption Model

Purpose Framed by the Concerns-Based Adoption Model, this study investigates female, ethnically diverse preschool teachers’ concerns regarding Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) teaching within their participation in a STEM-themed professional learning program and their adoption of STEM content and resources therein. Design/Approach/Methods An exploratory multiple-case study was conducted with five female, ethnically diverse preschool teachers in Hong Kong. Data were primarily collected through online semi-structured interviews, supplemented by pre- and post-surveys, reflection worksheets, and written peer feedback. Thematic analysis was utilized for data analysis. Findings Our study revealed five major concerns regarding STEM teaching among female, ethnically diverse preschool teachers, including (1) no confidence in STEM teaching affected by gender bias and minority stereotype, (2) traditional teaching philosophies influenced by Chinese Confucian culture, (3) lack of culturally and contextually appropriate pedagogical strategies and resources, (4) a constrained curriculum structure and limited time and space for STEM activities, and (5) the negative impact of accountability. These concerns were intertwined and created a complex net that affected teachers’ STEM teaching practices. Originality/Value The study emphasizes the importance of considering sociocultural and organizational contexts and the interplay among various concerns of teachers when developing STEM professional development programs for female, ethnically diverse preschool teachers.

Education-related cognitive labour in Chinese immigrant families

ABSTRACT While the cognitive dimension of family work has received considerable scholarly attention, one of the aspects unaccounted for is couples’ mental efforts in promoting children’s social and intellectual development, referred to as education-related cognitive labour in this study. Using 40 in-depth interviews with members of 20 Chinese immigrant couples in Ireland, I identify four interacting but distinct forms of education-related cognitive labour: strategizing; learning and teaching; disciplining; and assessing. Though these work are perceptible and acknowledged between the spouses, the labourer experiences little satisfaction from task accomplishment. Besides, worry is embedded in those thinking activities, which derives from Chinese immigrants’ internalized insecurities about their class and ethnic identities as well as uncertainty over the quality of Irish education. The division of education-related cognitive labour is also a gendered phenomenon with mothers carrying a heavier cognitive load and performing more onerous tasks than fathers. In addition, unlike ‘concerted cultivation’, the parenting practices of the sampled Chinese immigrants are ‘instrumental cultivation’. These features are associated with the persistent influence of Confucian culture among Chinese immigrant parents, their migration experiences in Ireland and the conflicting educational values between the first and second-generation immigrants.

Confucian traditional culture and corporate digital transformation in China

Confucian traditional culture and corporate digital transformation in China

Marry My Dead Body, and the queer trouble of confucian-liberal enclosure

ABSTRACT Produced after Taiwan’s 2019 legalization of same-sex marriage, Cheng Wei-hao’s blockbuster Marry My Dead Body (2022) interrogates the intersection of conventional familial virtues and liberal discourses in shaping contemporary Taiwan’s sexual public culture. I see the film’s comic yet uncanny representations of queer ghost marriage as illustrating what I call the ‘Confucian-liberal enclosure’, or the dual subjectivation of queer life through both Confucian traditions and progressive marriage-equality agendas. Notably, Confucian culture has long served as a symbolic site where competing and/or converging ideals of identity politics negotiate Taiwan’s post-war trajectory towards neoliberal cosmopolitan modernity. Set against these political processes, the film presents the tensions between sexual minorities’ equal rights and a Confucian inclination towards reproductive familism, paternalist ethos, and sustainable social structure. The film invites us to reexamine the critical idiom of Progressive Confucianism in the context of Taiwan, which rationalizes the interpellation of sexual minorities as virtuous social participants and contributors. Underlying Progressive Confucianism is the concept of rushi (‘world-entering’), which names the imperative for social responsibility, moral engagement, and identity formation. Rushi, however, is doubly articulated in Cheng’s film. It not only shapes queer subjectivity through the visual interplay of Confucian and liberal democratic ideologies but also expands spectatorial imagination beyond these frameworks. I see the film as presenting a queer art of world-entering through melodramatic renditions of spirit possession and reincarnation, evoking an unruly propensity to imagine minorities’ livability beyond the Confucian-liberal enclosure. Reading the film alongside Taiwan’s contemporary queer trouble, I argue that radical possibilities emerge from the constitutive outside of Progressive Confucianism, where alternative forms of life unsettle and disembody the ideal gender/sexual subject. The film fosters new understandings of Taiwan’s queer cinema in relation to the ongoing advancements of progressive agendas, prompting critical engagement with the persistent tensions between queer enfranchisement and politico-cultural normativity.

The influence of the collision of Western and Confucian cultures on the embodied experience of Chinese fitness enthusiasts

ABSTRACT Recent research has highlighted how Eastern and Western cultures shape individual physical experiences. This study explores how individuals navigate diverse cultural influences in their embodied values and practices by interviewing 20 participants with over two years of fitness experience. Our findings indicate that the Western emphasis on muscularity and the Confucian focus on self-cultivation and discipline together shape the gym as an essential space for physical and mental well-being in contemporary Chinese society. While Western health discourse fosters a desire for well-defined muscle and aesthetically pleasing body contours among Chinese fitness enthusiasts, it also contributes to body anxiety. At the same time, some participants found that Confucian ideals of self-discipline and balance helped them integrate rather than experience these cultural influences as conflicting. Furthermore, the gym serves as a platform where gender norms are both reinforced and negotiated. Although Western fitness culture challenges certain traditional gender stereotypes, it does not necessarily foster a more fluid understanding of gender. Instead, participants largely reaffirmed conventional gender distinctions by associating masculinity with muscular strength and femininity with toned aesthetics. Nevertheless, within these reaffirmations, there were instances of negotiation and reinterpretation, reflecting broader shifts in societal gender expectations. We argue that gyms in China function as dynamic venues for cultural convergence and transformation, where Western fitness practices and Confucian values intersect, reshaping bodily ideals and influencing evolving gender norms in contemporary Chinese culture.

Kinship heterogeneity and social responsibility performance of family firms: the moderating role of family-based naming

Purpose Drawing upon the perspective of socioemotional wealth (SEW), the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of kinship heterogeneity of family managers on social responsibility performance of family firms, as well as the moderating effect of family-based naming. Design/methodology/approach Using data covering 922 qualified family firms listed on China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share markets from 2010 to 2019, this paper tests hypotheses with multiple regression analysis. Findings The empirical results show that family firms with stronger kinship heterogeneity of family managers exhibit worse social responsibility performance, and family-based naming effectively mitigates the negative relationship. The analysis based on different dimensions of social responsibility performance reveals that compared to other dimensions of social responsibility, the negative impacts of kinship heterogeneity on shareholder responsibility performance and social welfare responsibility performance are more pronounced. The heterogeneity analysis indicates that kinship heterogeneity has a more pronounced negative effect on social responsibility in family firms facing weaker Confucian and clan cultures. Originality/value This study enriches the research on the SEW theory by revealing the mechanism of the impact of kinship heterogeneity on social responsibility performance from the perspective of family-based naming, and exploring the influence of kinship heterogeneity on different dimensions of social responsibility performance. This paper also highlights the importance of family-based naming and the external cultural environment in shaping family managers’ social responsibility strategies.