Understanding Peasant China: Case Studies in the Philosophy of Social Science

In this innovative look at several current debates in China studies, Daniel Little investigates the merits of social scientists' hypotheses, reasoning, and explanations. Little focuses on four topics: the relative importance of individual rationality and community values in explaining traditional peasant behavior; the role of marketing and transportation systems in Chinese society; the causes of agricultural stagnation in traditional China; and the reasons for peasant rebellions in Qing China.