Chinese Relational Sociology: An Analysis of the Theoretical Paradigm of Guanxi Studies in the Chinese Context

The concept of Guanxi refers to social ties that are empowered by cultural specificity in Chinese societies, with its purpose of motivating and utilizing embedded resources in networking structure and practices under the principles of Confucius regulation and norms set by actors. In this paper, the author comprehensively analyzes theoretical and empirical contributions to guanxi studies in the Chinese context, initiating further directions for its development. Currently, guanxi studies are dominated by the main paradigm of network analysis, while the cultural elements of its connotation are interpreted via anthropological perspectives. This paper argues a “relational turn” led by Mustafa Emirbayer, Harrison White, and Jan Fuhse that contributes to the interactive analysis of cultural and economic values in Relational Sociology (RS), which leads to a more sophisticated interpretation. Such perspective of theoretical approach, argues (1) the combination of localized and universal framework of theories in interpersonal communications, (2) moderation and inter-correlation in debates between constructivist and structuralist perspectives, and (3) interaction between economic and cultural elements.