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The Good Samaritan's new trouble: A study of the changing moral landscape in contemporary China.

The Good Samaritan's new trouble: A study of the changing moral landscape in contemporary China.

Authors :
Yunxiang Yan
Source :
Social Anthropology / Anthropologie Sociale; Feb2009, Vol. 17 Issue 1, p9-24, 16p
Publication Year :
2009

Abstract

Modernization often involves changes in behaviour norms, values, and moral reasoning; China is by no means an exception. The present study focuses on a rare type of extreme immoral cases in which the Good Samaritan is extorted by the very person being helped. A particular effort is made to unpack why most extortionists of the Good Samaritan are elderly people. Despite its rare occurrence, cases of extorting Good Samaritans have seriously negative impacts on social trust, compassion, and the principle of reciprocity. Yet, a close analysis of the cases and public opinions reveals the complexity of the seemingly straight immoral behaviour, especially the tension between two moral systems and the challenge of dealing with strangers, which in turn reflect the changing moral landscape in contemporary Chinese society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09640282
Volume :
17
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Social Anthropology / Anthropologie Sociale
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
36551626
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8676.2008.00055.x