Fate calculation experts : diviners seeking legitimation in contemporary China / Geng Li.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Li, Geng, author.

Series:

Asian anthropologies ; 9.

Asian anthropologies ; 9

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Divination--China.

Divination.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (158 pages).

Place of Publication:

New York ; Oxford : Berghahn Books, 2019.

Summary:

Having long been stigmatized as an immoral and even illegal “superstition”, the popular practice of divination is experiencing a revival in contemporary China. Fate Calculation Experts explores how diviners attempt to achieve legitimation in a society which identifies strongly with modernity, science, and rationality. As well as associating with modern knowledge production systems, diviners build a positive social image for their occupation via claims to moral authority and appeals to “tradition”. Beyond matters of image management, diviners’ efforts towards legitimation also figure in the social relationships and fundamental cultural values they develop in their practice.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1. The Social and Political Status of Divination in China

Chapter 2. The Practice of Divination and Diviners

Chapter 3. Typical Customers of Divination

Chapter 4. The Moral Discourses of Divination

Chapter 5. Divination as an Aspect of ‘Traditional Culture’

Chapter 6. Divination as Counselling

Chapter 7. The Professionalization of Divination through Associations

Conclusion

References

Index

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-80758-924-2

1-78533-995-8