家族觀念在中國傳統社會中的秩序功能

On the Functions of Family Concepts in Traditional China

在以往的學術討論中，家族觀念多為人們所詬病。然而實際上，在傳統社會中，很多家族觀念具有重要的秩序功能。這些秩序功能的發揮，都建基於傳統國人對於家族的獨特認識。在家族一體化的基本理念之下，光宗耀祖、家族臉面、家和萬事興等觀念，不僅能很好地約束和激勵人們的行為，還能使他們在利益關係中保持自我克制，從而緩解了人際互動中的緊張關係。此外，特定家族觀念還有助於人們形成長遠的行為預期，也能夠提升他們的社會責任感，並遏制各種短期行為。

The concepts in Chinese clan used to be criticized in academia. The article will show that these concepts have important functions of order. The idea of clan-as-an-integrity, the motivation of bringing honor to ancestors, the consideration of family fame and the belief of harmony bringing wealth, not only stimulate people's behavior effectively, but also restrain people while claiming their rights, which can ease tensions in social intercourses. Furthermore, certain concepts such as 'what goes around comes around' may contribute to the establishment of a long behavior expectancy, which enhances their sense of responsibility and helps to avoid shortsightedness.