Bulletin Number Two 1983

methodology as reference and modifying them to suit China's situation; (4) reviewing the influence of western sociology on China; and (5) building up a sociology that is Chinese-oriented. Another professor from the same University, Professor Wen Chung-i, presented a paper on 'Cultural Variations in Sociological Theories: The Rethinking of Sinicization of Social Science'. He reviewed the whole issue of sinicization of social sciences and after making a comparative study of different theories on cultural cycles, pointed out that general principles are difficult to establish. Professor Zhao Fu-san of the Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, in his paper, ‘Some Thoughts on the Indigenization of Social Sciences in China', gave a succinct account of the development of social sciences in China and concluded that what has evolved is a model which takes ‘Marxism as the theoretical basis and sociological methods as the practical tool'. Dr. T.S. Cheung of this University also delivered a paper on 'The Accumulability of Research Findings and Its Implications for Indigenization in Sociology'. The Conference also focused on population, family and related topics. The world-renowned social anthropologist, Professor Fei Xiao-tong, reviewed the current structural changes of Chinese families and their impact in his paper, 'The Caring of the Old in Families Undergoing Structural Changes'. He pointed out that as Chinese find it hard to accept the 'empty- nested' form of western families, it is necessary to think of ways to make the younger generation continue to care for the old in the face of structural changes. Dr. Kwong Chun-kuen of this University in his paper, ‘Boy Preference and the Population Problems of China', looked into the population policy of China today, focusing on the imbalance between males and females brought about by such a policy. Drs. Agnes M.C. Ng and Nelson W.S. Chow, also of this University, presented papers on 'Family Structure and Juvenile Delinquency in Hong Kong' and ‘The Idea of Welfare Among the Chinese People' respectively. I myself have projected the possible changes in population structure and family system of the Samei ethnic minority in Yunnan, China, on the basis of current policy and the social changes which have taken place over the past thirty years. Dr. David Y.H. Wu of the East-West Center, Honolulu, spoke on 'Chinese Child Rearing in the Process of Family Modernization' and Professor Chung Ying-chang of Academia Sinica, Taipei, on Chinese lineage development in Taiwan. Chinese society is constantly undergoing intricate changes, and human relationship is exceptionally complicated. There were several papers dealing -with various aspects of this topic, including 'Chinese Strategic Behaviour: A Formal Analysis' by Dr. Chiao Chien, Head of this University's Anthropology Department; 'Face and Favour: Chinese Power Game' by Professor Huang Kwang-kuo of National Taiwan University. Both Professor Yang Kuo-shu of National Taiwan University, and Dr. Fanny M.C. Cheung of this University addressed the issue from a psychological point of view in their respective papers on 'Dimensions of Person Perception of Chinese Students: An Emic Approach' and 'Manifestation of Psychological Problems and Help-seeking Process among Chinese'. lively discussion followed Dr. Ambrose Y.C. King's (CUHK) paper on ‘Confucian Ethics and Economic Development: Re-examination of Weber's Thesis'. Weber contended that Confucian ethics does not contribute to capitalists' development, but Dr. King pointed out that the rapid economic development of Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore is to be attributed to both structural and cultural factors, the latter being precisely the Confucian ethics. It can therefore be said that Weber's thesis was challenged. Professor Ruey Yih-fu of Academia Sinica, Taipei, in his paper, ‘The Modernization of Confucian System of Ethical Thoughts in the Republic of China' advocated 'seven human relations'. In addition to the five traditional human relations, he put forward a sixth, the relation between the individual and the group (based on respect), and a seventh, intergroup relation (based on kindness). Papers on other aspects of the process of modernization included ‘Economic Research in the West and Modernization of Socialist Economic Construction in China' by Professor Chen Dai-sun of Beijing University; ‘Economic Modernization and the Rule of Law in China' by Dr. Liao Kuang-sheng (CUHK); ‘Social Change, Bureaucratic Rule and Emergent Political Issues in Hong Kong' by Dr. Lau Siu-kai (CUHK); and ‘Transferability of Western Management Concepts' by Dr. Yeung Siu Wah (CUHK). Besides, there were papers on 'Chinese Political Culture and China's Modernization' by Professor Alan P.L. Liu of the University of California at Santa Barbara; ‘Modernization and China's Cities' by Professor Chang Sen-dou of the University of Hawaii; Traditional Religious Rituals in Modernization Process' by Professor Li Yih-yuan of National Taiwan University; and ‘The Factors of Culture and Education in the Socio-economic Development of the Li People in Hainan' by Professor Liang Zhao-tao of Chungsan University, Guangzhou. With such an array of papers, the Conference proved a very stimulating experience. — Hsieh Mann NEWS 3