Confucian guidelines for building an ageing society under China’s modernization process

Authors

  • Jinying Zang Hangzhou Normal University
  • Zhuohui Liang Zhejiang University of Technology
  • Lin Du Tianjin University of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-3173.2024.v47.n6.e02400316

Keywords:

Collectivism, Confucius, Filial Piety, Harmonious Society, Humanism

Abstract

This article explores how to combine Confucian principles of filial piety and benevolence with modern aging society governance through literature review and case studies, aiming to improve the elderly people’s quality of life and promote social harmony by integrating traditional values into modern policies. This article analyzes the challenges brought by aging to Chinese society and explores how to solve the social problems caused by aging through these traditional values. The results indicate that the Confucian ideals of filial piety and benevolence provide moral guidance and cultural foundation for respecting and caring for the elderly. The concept of filial piety emphasizes the respect and care of children towards their parents, while the idea of benevolence advocates for the care and support of the elderly throughout society. It is crucial to integrate these traditional values with modern national policies in building a civilized elderly society. By doing so, China can improve its elderly citizens’ quality of life and pave the way for a respectful and caring social framework.

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Author Biographies

  • Jinying Zang, Hangzhou Normal University

    School of Cultural Creativity and Media, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121 – China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4442-8781

  • Zhuohui Liang, Zhejiang University of Technology

    School of Public Administration, Zhejiang University of Technology, Zhejiang, 310014 – China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6696-5402.

  • Lin Du, Tianjin University of Technology

    School of Social Development, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300382 – China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6145-1822.

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Submission: 26/07/2024 – Decision: 06/09/2024 - Revision: 24/09/2024 – Publication: 28/10/2024

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Published

2024-10-28

Issue

Vol. 47 No. 6 (2024): Continuous flow

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

ZANG, Jinying; LIANG, Zhuohui; DU, Lin. Confucian guidelines for building an ageing society under China’s modernization process. Trans/Form/Ação, Marília, SP, v. 47, n. 6, p. e02400316, 2024. DOI: 10.1590/0101-3173.2024.v47.n6.e02400316. Disponível em: https://revistas.marilia.unesp.br/index.php/transformacao/article/view/16321.. Acesso em: 24 nov. 2024.