Confucian Ren and Feminist Ethics of Care: Integrating Relational Self, Power, and Democracy

(Hardback)

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The rehabilitation of Confucian tradition raised new challenges to Chinese feminist thinkers. Can a Confucian ideal of reciprocity help women realize their equality What is the hope for Chinese women seeking a social ideal of equality given the growing gender gap in the current economic development of China Yuan argues Confucianism cannot help unless it is integrated with feminism. In this book, Yuan explores why gendered stratifications perpetuated so deeply in todays China through the influences of Confucian cultural tradition, but reading early Confucian texts as a cosmological vision of Ren with Dao and ontological oneness as a whole that is the unity of heaven, earth, and humanism, we might reclaim Confucian egalitarian aspects to develop its openness for gender equity with integration of feminist critical care ethics. Throughout the book, Yuan provides multiple perspectives of comparison: relational self vs. power differentials, gender roles differences vs. political demand for equality, and individual reciprocity vs. connection based reciprocity, etc. to embrace inclusive methodology and caring democracy. We see a great hope to break through stereotypes of binary thinking of Minben (people oriented) and Minzhu (autonomous democracy), gender division of labor, reason and emotion, etc. Yuan argues we should integrate feminist critical thoughts of global justice/care with early Confucianism, since both traditions emphasize caring relationships in humanity and interdependency between social individuals within and beyond their communities in a global scale. Importantly, the integration enlarges our philosophical visions of how cultural traditions can be undeniable sources for strengthening contemporary social ideas of humanity, democracy, equality, and freedom for all.

Reviews

Lijun Yuan has presented a renovating, robust study of Confucian and feminist care ethics, and creatively engage in a profound dialogue between Eastern and Western philosophies. This is as grounded and deep account of care ethics as one who does comparative studies wishes for. It also raises the profound questions of the foundation of ethics. The suggestion of a fusion of the Confucian and feminist horizons of the book is thought-provocative, and attractive. Xunwu Chen, The University of Texas at San Antonio -- Xunwu Chen
A most comprehensive comparative study of Confucian ethics of ren in ancient China and feminist ethics of care in contemporary West, Yuan's book exemplifies a unique and highly fruitful methodology of comparative philosophy. It also seamlessly combines theoretical construction and practical concerns. A must read for anyone who is interest in Confucianism, feminism, and/or comparative philosophy. -- Huang Yong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The book is a timely synthesis of the Ethics of Care and Confucian reciprocity, bringing together the promise of disparate philosophical traditions, one ancient, one modern, to help improve the lives of contemporary girls and women. -- Maureen Sander-Staudt, Southwest Minnesota State University

Author Bio

Lijun Yuan is professor of philosophy at Texas State University.