The legacy of sociologist and anthropologist Fei Xiaotong continues to shape the discourse on rural development and academic research in China. On November 1, scholars and local officials gathered in Kaixiangong Village, located in Qidu Town, Wujiang District, Jiangsu Province, to mark the 90th anniversary of Fei Xiaotong's landmark Jiangcun field study. The commemorative event, organized by Wujiang District in partnership with several Chinese universities, explored how research and practical experience in the village—famously known as Jiangcun—can inform the broader trajectory of China's modernization.

Under the central theme of “Understanding China's Modernization Through Jiangcun,” the gathering highlighted the enduring relevance of Fei's academic methodology. The event also marked a significant milestone with the official inauguration of the Fei Xiaotong Social Survey Center, an institution dedicated to carrying forward Fei's signature approach to fieldwork.

The Legacy of Jiangcun: 90 Years of Sociological Inquiry

Fei Xiaotong's work in Jiangcun represents a foundational pillar of Chinese sociology and anthropology. By focusing on the daily lives, economic activities, and social structures of Kaixiangong Village, Fei established a model for understanding national development through localized, empirical observation.

During the commemorative event, Zhang Yi, the president of the Chinese Sociological Association, highlighted Fei's deep commitment to improving people's livelihoods. Zhang emphasized the specific approach to sociological inquiry that guided Fei's work throughout his career. He encouraged contemporary scholars to follow Fei's example of grounding knowledge in firsthand investigation. According to Zhang, this process must begin with life in rural communities to truly comprehend the dimensions and foundations of China's modernization, thereby advancing the field of sociological research.

The Inauguration of the Fei Xiaotong Social Survey Center

A central development of the anniversary event was the launch of the Fei Xiaotong Social Survey Center. This new center is designed to preserve and expand upon Fei's scholarly legacy by conducting systematic, in-depth research.

Objectives and Methodology

The primary mission of the Fei Xiaotong Social Survey Center includes:

  • Carrying forward Fei's established approach to fieldwork, which prioritizes understanding people's lives directly from their own perspective.
  • Conducting in-depth research initiatives that build on his historical scholarly legacy.
  • Providing a structured framework for academic collaboration between local authorities and higher education institutions.

By focusing on firsthand investigation, the center aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and the practical realities of rural communities, ensuring that sociological research remains deeply connected to the populations it studies.

Academic Perspectives on Rural Revitalization

The event featured academic contributions from prominent researchers who examined the intersection of historical sociological methods and modern development strategies. Six scholars delivered presentations focusing on how the lessons of Jiangcun apply to contemporary challenges.

Among the presenters was Li Peilin, a member of the Academic Divisions of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Li delivered a presentation titled "From the Jiangcun Field Study to Rural Revitalization: Carrying Forward the Intellectual Legacy of Grounding Knowledge in Firsthand Investigation and Improving People's Livelihoods." The presentations collectively analyzed how the intellectual legacy of Fei Xiaotong can be leveraged to support rural revitalization efforts across the nation.

Wujiang's Strategy for Urban-Rural Integration

The local administration of Wujiang District is actively integrating these sociological insights into its regional development policies. Sun Daoxun, secretary of the CPC Wujiang District Committee, outlined the district's future plans to collaborate with academic institutions and implement practical reforms.

Key Initiatives in Wujiang

To translate academic research into tangible community benefits, Wujiang District is focusing on several key areas:

  • Strengthening partnerships with universities to jointly develop sociological research sites.
  • Working to revitalize rural communities through targeted development programs.
  • Strengthening local governance frameworks to improve community administration.
  • Developing a cultural economy that leverages local heritage and history.

Through these initiatives, Wujiang seeks to contribute further insights from Jiangcun and practical experience to the broader framework of China's modernization. By drawing on Wujiang's existing experience in urban-rural integration, local officials and academic partners aim to support a prosperous and beautiful Jiangcun, ensuring that the village remains a living laboratory for progressive rural development.

The ceremony honoring Fei's legacy marked a new stage in Jiangcun's development, bringing participants together to support further research and practical work in rural communities. This collaborative effort underscores the ongoing importance of empirical fieldwork in shaping effective public policy and sustainable rural growth.