Explore the intricate world of Chinese lineage and social transformation during the Ming and Qing dynasties with this pivotal study. Delve into how family organization shaped communities and drove historical change in Fujian province. Michael Szonyi’s authoritative research offers profound insights into kinship networks, the domestic cycle, and the development of Chinese civil society. Essential reading for students of Asian history, sociology, and anyone seeking to understand the deep roots of Chinese social structures. Discover the evolution of south China’s familial and societal frameworks.