The Education of Clan Members in the Yizhuang of Southern Jiangsu in the Late Qing and Republican Era

Author(s): Chen Yong and Li Xueru

Source: Historical Research

Abstract: The early modern yizhuang(义庄,a clan charitable establishment) in the southern region of Jiangsu all paid much attention to the education of clan members.Their organization took three main forms:self-managed private schools,payment of tuition fees,and financial subsidies and incentives for students and candidates for state examinations.Their strict attendance records and inspection systems show distinctive characteristics of their region and times.When the imperial examination system was abolished and the modern education system introduced in the late Qing dynasty,the yizhuang kept up with the times and transformed themselves from traditional to modern institutions.They extended the scope of their aid to learning and teaching,accepted the new education system and updated the content of their education.The new yizhuang education laid a foundation for educational modernization as well as for the development of modern primary education in southern Jiangsu.It may also be consulted in the development of today’s education and charitable work.