Celebrating 90 Years of Fei Xiaotong's Influential Field Study in Jiangcun

Celebrating Fei Xiaotong’s Legacy

On November 1, 2026, a significant occasion took place in Kaixiangong Village, located in Qidu Town, Wujiang District, Jiangsu Province. Scholars, officials, and local residents gathered to commemorate the 90th anniversary of renowned Chinese sociologist and anthropologist Fei Xiaotong’s field study in Jiangcun. This event, which highlights the enduring legacy of Fei Xiaotong, was organized in partnership with several esteemed Chinese universities.

Participants engaged in discussions centered on the theme "Understanding China's Modernization Through Jiangcun.” This title not only reflects the subject matter of the day but also serves as a reminder of the critical role that field studies play in understanding societal evolution. Fei Xiaotong’s work, which emphasized understanding people's lives from their own perspective, remains a cornerstone for contemporary sociological inquiry, especially in the context of China’s rapid modernization.

The highlight of the ceremony was the inauguration of the Fei Xiaotong Social Survey Center. This facility aims to continue Fei’s groundbreaking approach to fieldwork, encouraging scholars to conduct in-depth research that pertains directly to people’s experiences and stories. Zhang Yi, president of the Chinese Sociological Association, emphasized during the event that Fei's dedication to improving livelihoods through rigorous sociological inquiry should inspire future generations of scholars. Zhang urged attendees to mirror Fei's methodology: starting first with the lives of rural communities to fully grasp the essential dimensions and foundations of modernization in China.

Also present was Sun Daoxun, the secretary of the CPC Wujiang District Committee, who articulated Wujiang’s commitment to fostering stronger partnerships with universities to jointly enhance sociological research. This collaboration aims not only to investigate the complexities of rural revitalization but also to fortify local governance and cultural economies. The district’s commitment to enriching knowledge through interpretation and practical experiences from Jiangcun is aimed at bolstering rural development strategies.

The ceremony included multiple scholarly presentations that examined various facets of modernization through the lens of Fei’s work. These discussions, led by accomplished scholars including Li Peilin from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, explored themes such as "From the Jiangcun Field Study to Rural Revitalization" and emphasized the importance of grounding knowledge in firsthand investigation.

In closing, this 90th-anniversary event served as a platform for reflections on Fei Xiaotong’s legacy and its relevance in today’s context, providing an opportunity for those involved to scrutinize and contribute to the ongoing discourse around rural revitalization and modernization in China. Scholars and local officials came together not only to honor a significant figure of Chinese sociology but to look forward to new avenues for research and development in Jiangcun, ensuring that the voices and lives of its residents continue to be at the forefront of social research.

Engaging directly with the local communities, prioritizing their perspectives, and taking actionable steps toward understanding their challenges are essential in paving the way for a prosperous and vibrant Jiangcun, following in the footsteps of Fei Xiaotong’s pioneering work.