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The Perseverance of Guilds in modern China: Evidence from Shanghai (1912-1949)

Luo, Anwei LU (2025) EKHS12 20251
Department of Economic History
Abstract
This study explores the persistence of guilds in early 20th century China, contrasting their fate with European guilds. While most European guilds were abolished after the French Revolution, Chinese guilds were reorganized as industrial associations (tongye gonghui) under government oversight. Using constitutions from 29 Shanghai associations and thematic analysis, this research examines their organizational features and compares them with traditional Chinese and European guilds. Findings reveal that tongye gonghui were self-governed, promoting members’ economic and social interests, even though with weaker cultural ties than traditional guilds. Their survival highlights the practical value of guild functions and the role of ideology in... (More)
This study explores the persistence of guilds in early 20th century China, contrasting their fate with European guilds. While most European guilds were abolished after the French Revolution, Chinese guilds were reorganized as industrial associations (tongye gonghui) under government oversight. Using constitutions from 29 Shanghai associations and thematic analysis, this research examines their organizational features and compares them with traditional Chinese and European guilds. Findings reveal that tongye gonghui were self-governed, promoting members’ economic and social interests, even though with weaker cultural ties than traditional guilds. Their survival highlights the practical value of guild functions and the role of ideology in shaping institutional change. This study bridges Chinese and Western scholarship, offering a comparative perspective on guilds’ enduring significance and contributions to local economies. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Luo, Anwei LU
supervisor
organization
course
EKHS12 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
guilds, China, twentieth century, institutional change, comparative analysis
language
English
id
9213348
date added to LUP
2026-09-07 14:15:24
date last changed
2026-09-07 14:15:24
@misc{9213348,
  abstract     = {{This study explores the persistence of guilds in early 20th century China, contrasting their fate with European guilds. While most European guilds were abolished after the French Revolution, Chinese guilds were reorganized as industrial associations (tongye gonghui) under government oversight. Using constitutions from 29 Shanghai associations and thematic analysis, this research examines their organizational features and compares them with traditional Chinese and European guilds. Findings reveal that tongye gonghui were self-governed, promoting members’ economic and social interests, even though with weaker cultural ties than traditional guilds. Their survival highlights the practical value of guild functions and the role of ideology in shaping institutional change. This study bridges Chinese and Western scholarship, offering a comparative perspective on guilds’ enduring significance and contributions to local economies.}},
  author       = {{Luo, Anwei}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{The Perseverance of Guilds in modern China: Evidence from Shanghai (1912-1949)}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}