Paradoxical integration : globalised knowledge flows and Chinese concepts in social theory

This thesis explores questions of conceptual change and transformation, especially under conditions of globalisation. Drawing on textual analysis, historical investigation and conceptual interpretation the thesis argues that the intensification of globalisation over the last century in particular paradoxically promotes both the spread of West European and American social science concepts and methods at the expense of local concepts and approaches and at the same time provides opportunities for the incorporation of local concepts, including Chinese concepts, into Western or mainstream social theory. The thesis begins with an empirical and theoretical examination of patterns of global knowledge flows. By considering the role of diverse knowledge institutions and research traditions it argues that the history of globalisation has produced generally asymmetrical knowledge flows through which Western intellectual dominance has been maintained. Yet within this dominance, certain Chinese concepts – such as guanxi and face – have been taken up and deployed within Western disciplines. A key focus of the thesis is therefore on the processes of conceptual change that occurs under conditions of globalisation. The thesis argues that „intellectual entrepreneurs‟ combine ideas in new ways, paying attention not only to the selection of alien concepts but also to the modification of the existing intellectual and cultural framework into which foreign concepts are inserted. The thesis thus raises challenging questions about the paradigmatic nature of the intellectual heritage of a society that undergoes significant social and cultural change. Having focused on the asymmetrical nature of knowledge flows, the thesis then goes on to argue that Western theoretical traditions could benefit from a more systematic engagement with particular Chinese concepts. Through a discussion of several ideas, including xin (heart/mind), the final chapters explore key aspects of Chinese traditions. The value of concrete rather than abstract conceptualisation and a concern with the interrelationship of things are qualities typical of Chinese concepts and their relevance to social theory is explored in these chapters. The thesis concludes that particular Chinese concepts have a significant capacity to expand existing approaches in social theory