地方上的天潢贵胄 : 明代山西宗室的生存策略与演变 = IMPERIAL LINEAGES IN LOCAL SOCIETY: STRATEGIES AND CHANGES OF THE MING PRINCIPALITIES IN SHANXI

Abstract

Although extensive researches on Ming imperial lineages have been undertaken, the activity of those royal-men in local society is still sketchy at best. It may be the result of the lack of local perspective. In view of this lack, this dissertation plans to take the Shanxi province as a case study. There were three imperial lineages, Jin, Dai and Shen, in Ming Shanxi. They had a deep impact on Shanxi society and their activities revealed regional features and complexity. These three imperial lineages, as an important local group, were influenced by the different regional economy and culture and adopted different strategies in three areas: the marriage-network construction, the religious participation, and the cultural activities. How to keep their noble status and guarantee their survival and development was always the main challenge. They needed to handle their relations with not only other local groups but also the government.