Differential mode of association (Chinese: 差序格局), is a Chinese sociological theory proposed by Fei Xiaotong in his book From the Soil. It describes the interpersonal connections of Chinese people are similar to ripples produced by throwing a stone on the water, where people are allocated to each concentric ripple according to the intimacy of relationships.
Relationship with Confucianism
The Confucianist ideology influences Chinese society.
References
- Fei, Xiaotong (1992). From the Soil: The Foundations of Chinese Society. Gary G. Hamilton, Wang Zheng (1 ed.). Berkerley: University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-07796-6.