Social Structuration in Tibetan Society: Education, Society, and Spirituality

(Hardback)

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This volume is unique in the literature concerning both the sociology of education and Tibetan society. It aims to propose a Tibetan sociology of education, something that no other author has attempted, as well as to provide insights into the nature of Tibetan society both historically and currently through the application of Giddens structuration theory supplemented by the work of ancient Tibetan philosopher Je TsongKhapa. Previous Western accounts of Tibetan history and society have lacked insider perspectives as well as access to original documentation in the Tibetan language. The author of this volume is Tibetan and does not experience these limitations. He has also taught sociology at the university level and in 1999 published a general textbook on sociology in Tibetan, which attempted to draw on Western theories and apply them to the Tibetan context. In short, the author appears to be highly credible in taking on this extremely ambitious project.

Reviews

In Social Structuration in Tibetan Society, Jia Luo offers a groundbreaking exploration of Tibetan educationoral, monastic, and stateas viewed through the complex prism of its institutions, spiritual life, and philosophical history. At the heart of the task, the long philosophical tradition emanating from Je Tsongkhapa is brought face to face with the thinking of Anthony Giddens as a canonical figure of Western sociology. This study is an illuminating contribution to a Tibetan sociology of education. -- Peter H. Sawchuk, University of Toronto
This volume is unique in proposing a Tibetan sociology of education, which up to this point has not been attempted. The author provides important insights into the nature of Tibetan society, both historically and currently, by bringing Giddenss structuration theory into dialogue with the work of ancient Tibetan philosopher Je TsongKhapa. The links between language, education, spirituality, and freedom are explored in ways that are likely to stimulate intense discussion and further inquiry into the future of Tibetan society. -- James Cummins, Professor Emeritus, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto

Author Bio

Jia Luo is professor at Northwest Normal University.