In the contemporary landscape of socio-political ideologies, the concept of the Chinese “Great Unity” stands as a profound framework that warrants deep exploration. Researcher Z. Wang’s article, published in the International Journal of Anthropology and Ethnology in December 2025, embarks on an ambitious intellectual journey tracing the genesis and evolution of this ideology, which has shaped Chinese civilization for millennia and continues to influence modern governance and cultural identity. Wang’s comprehensive study unveils the intricate historical layers and philosophical underpinnings of the Great Unity, offering fresh insights into a principle that envisions an ideal society characterized by harmony, equality, and shared prosperity.
The “Great Unity” ideology, often traced back to Confucian thought, fundamentally advocates for a society where social divisions dissipate, and collective well-being is prioritized over individual ambition. Wang meticulously charts how this powerful narrative emerged during the late Warring States period and matured through the Han dynasty, becoming an aspirational ethical blueprint that has transcended political regimes and eras. The research draws on diverse sources, from classical texts like the Liji (Book of Rites) to dynastic historical records, revealing how the concept was adapted and reinterpreted to fit shifting contexts and agendas.
One of the article’s central revelations is how the “Great Unity” functions not merely as a utopian ideal but as a pragmatic political tool. Throughout Chinese history, rulers and intellectuals have invoked this ideology to legitimize authority and foster social cohesion. Wang explores multiple dynastic examples, demonstrating that the ideal of universal harmony was pragmatically employed to address fragmentation, rebellion, and social unrest. The adaptability of the Great Unity narrative ensured its longevity, embedding it deeply in the collective national consciousness.
Wang’s research further highlights the philosophical tensions inherent in the Great Unity vision, where individual freedoms are often subsumed under communal obligations. The article investigates how Confucian scholars negotiated this delicate balance, advocating for a social order where moral cultivation enables each individual to contribute meaningfully to societal harmony without the suppression of personal virtue. This nuanced reading challenges simplistic interpretations of Great Unity as authoritarian; rather, it presents it as a complex dialectic between order and morality.
The article also probes into the evolution of the ideology during China’s modern transformation, particularly during the 20th and 21st centuries. Here, Wang analyzes the reinterpretations of Great Unity in light of communist ideology and globalization. The notion of “harmonious society” propagated by contemporary Chinese leadership echoes the age-old Great Unity, but now it is reframed as a guiding principle for political stability, social equity, and economic development in a rapidly changing world. This modern iteration intertwines traditional values with pragmatic governance, illustrating the enduring resilience and flexibility of the concept.
Wang’s methodology employs interdisciplinary approaches, combining anthropological, historical, and philosophical analyses, supplemented by digital humanities tools to map ideological diffusion over time. This integrative framework allows the study to track how the Great Unity shaped social rituals, governance strategies, and cultural narratives at micro and macro scales. The article provides compelling evidence that the ideology’s core tenets permeate beyond elite discourse, influencing grassroots practices and popular consciousness throughout Chinese society.
The global implications of the Great Unity ideology are another compelling focus of Wang’s research. By situating the concept within broader discussions on globalization and intercultural dialogue, the article proposes that Great Unity offers an alternative paradigm to Western individualism. The vision of an interconnected society grounded in collective welfare and mutual responsibility could inform contemporary debates on sustainable development, social justice, and international cooperation, offering useful lessons for other diverse and complex societies worldwide.
Technically, the article delves into the semantic evolution of key terms associated with Great Unity, tracing their linguistic transformations and cultural resonances. Wang analyses classical Chinese lexicons and modern translations, highlighting how shifts in language reflect changing ideological emphases. This linguistic dimension enriches understanding of how the idea was communicated, preserved, and transmitted across different epochs, providing a nuanced grasp of semantic continuity and innovation within Chinese intellectual history.
In her exploration of ritualistic aspects, Wang identifies the role of Confucian ceremonies and social practices in embodying the ideals of Great Unity. These practices functioned as lived expressions of societal harmony, reinforcing social bonds and ethical commitments among participants. The article meticulously examines ritual texts and historical records, unveiling the symbiotic relationship between ideology and performance. This section underscores how intangible cultural heritage plays a crucial role in sustaining ideological frameworks across generations.
Furthermore, the article engages critically with critiques and reinterpretations of Great Unity, addressing its limitations and contradictions. Wang does not shy away from discussing how the ideology has sometimes been co-opted for hegemonic purposes, marginalizing dissent and diversity. This balanced critique adds depth to the study, emphasizing that while Great Unity can inspire harmonious social models, it also demands vigilant scrutiny to prevent exclusion and authoritarianism.
A technical highlight of the article is its innovative use of network analysis to visualize the dissemination and transformation of the Great Unity ideology through historical actors, texts, and socio-political institutions. This data-driven approach reveals intricate patterns of ideological transmission and adaptation, offering a dynamic map of intellectual history that bridges traditional humanities scholarship with cutting-edge digital methods.
In the concluding sections, Wang speculates on the future trajectories of the Great Unity ideology as China continues to rise as a global power. The article argues that the enduring appeal of Great Unity could play a pivotal role in shaping China’s domestic policies and international posture, potentially promoting a vision of global governance rooted in harmony and mutual respect rather than competition and conflict. This forward-looking perspective positions Great Unity not only as a cultural heritage but as a living, evolving force in global affairs.
The article by Wang is not merely an academic exercise but a timely reflection on the enduring power of ideas to shape societies. By unraveling the complexity and evolution of the Great Unity ideology, this research provides critical insights into Chinese identity and governance. It underscores the relevance of historical philosophical traditions in contemporary socio-political frameworks, encouraging readers to reconsider prevailing assumptions about modernity, progress, and social order.
As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges such as inequality, climate change, and cultural fragmentation, ideologies like the Great Unity offer alternative lenses through which to envision more inclusive and sustainable futures. Wang’s detailed exploration invites scholars, policymakers, and the public to engage with China’s intellectual heritage not as a relic of the past but as a source of inspiration and guidance for the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.
This new scholarship, with its methodological rigor and interdisciplinary scope, sets a high standard for future studies in anthropology, philosophy, and political science. It calls for continued dialogue between ancient wisdom and modern realities, highlighting how deeply historical ideas remain embedded in shaping human endeavors and aspirations for unity and peace.
In summation, Wang’s article provides a landmark analysis of the Chinese Great Unity ideology, bridging centuries of thought with contemporary relevance and technical precision. Its comprehensive narrative, enriched by innovative methodologies and critical reflection, makes it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the profound connections between ideology, culture, and social cohesion in one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations.
Subject of Research: The genesis and evolution of the Chinese “Great Unity” ideology and its historical, philosophical, and socio-political dimensions.
Article Title: The genesis and evolution of the Chinese “Great Unity” ideology.
Article References:
Wang, Z. The genesis and evolution of the Chinese “Great Unity” ideology.
Int. j. anthropol. ethnol. 9, 24 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41257-025-00148-4
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1186/s41257-025-00148-4 (04 December 2025)
