清末民初家事經濟論述的建構與實踐

The Concept of Home Economics in the Early 20th Century

周敘琪(Su-Chi Chou)

《臺大東亞文化研究》 2期 (2014/06) Pp. 103-136

https://doi.org/10.6579/NJEAC.2014.2.6

摘要

在一般人的印象中，「家政學」是西方傳入的學科，本文追溯「家事經濟」概念的發展，來思考近代中國對「家政學」的理解和誤解。近代「家事經濟」概念的形成、接受與傳播，雖受西方家政學的啟迪，也不可忽略中國調適原先的治家思想：第一代「賢妻良母」人物，至少接受過母輩或傳統教育的薰陶。傳統的閨秀才女，受西方家政學的啟迪與近代城市物質文化的影響，也在轉變之中。再者，從知識分子倡導的社會改革到家庭事務的實際操作，當中存在婦女的實踐經驗這個重要環節，故應特別注意從日常生活的角度，考察婦女調理一家經濟的多樣性實踐。要言之，「家事經濟」一詞係外來語，其主要的意涵有二：其一代表新的教育家政的方式；另一標榜受西方文化衝擊下所產生的新家庭觀。

關鍵字

家事經濟 ； 主婦 ； 家政 ； 賢妻良母

並列摘要

According to common historical understanding, the science of housekeeping was a field that was introduced into China from the West. This article traces the development of the concept of home economics in Republican China, in an effort to explore perceptions and misunderstandings about the science of housekeeping among individuals during this historical era. The reception, development, and propagation of the concept of home economics in Republican China were heavily inspired by the influx of Western thought on the science of housekeeping in the early 20th century. However, traditional Chinese ideas of household management still had considerable impact on the formation and development of the concept of home economics in Republican China. For example, the first generation of women, who had received a modern women's education and viewed themselves (or were viewed) as ＂good wives and loving mothers＂ (賢妻良母), still received, at least partially, a rather traditional upbringing from their mothers. On the other hand, upper-class daughters from traditionally-minded families were also influenced by the influx of Western concepts of housekeeping and the rise of a modern, urban material culture in Republican China. Historians need to understand how women implemented ideas about housekeeping and home economics in Republican China on a practical level: Only then will it be possible to explore the vital historical link between the principles of societal reform advocated by modern intellectuals and the practical implementation of household affairs by Chinese women during this era. Historians must also examine how Chinese women used a diverse range of methods to implement and manage affairs related to home economics on the practical level. It is important to note that home economics was a foreign term introduced into China. The term carries two main connotations: First, the term represents and relates to modern women's education in housekeeping. Secondly, the term testifies to the new perspectives on family arising under the impact of the influx of Western culture into China.

並列關鍵字

home economics ； housewife ； housekeeping ； good wives and wise mothers