Journal paper

Issue No.	No. 36
Title	Development or Fluctuation? —The Image of the Chinese Society in the “Recent Period”
Author	Mio Kishimoto
Page	31-52
Abstract	In European history, the term “early modern period” generally refers to the period of time from Renaissance, Reformation, till industrial revolution, which is, from the fifteenth, sixteenth centuries till the end of the eighteenth century. If we try to check the books with the title of “early modern,” we will learn that books of this fields have boosted since 1980s. In the past, the period was termed as a part of the “modern” period, yet nowadays, it has its own unique significance and also arouses the concern and interest of people. Many Western scholars try to discuss if the period of “early modern” is still meaningful in other areas beside Europe. Yet their opinions on “early modern” are not exactly the same, thus the results are quite different. 　　“Early modern” is translated as the “recent period” in the field of Chinese culture. It seems, however, the scholars of history do not have identical opinions upon what “recent period” actually means. When did the “recent period” begin? Does the “recent period” refer to “the early recent period” or the “later traditional society?” What are the differences between the “recent period” of China and of Europe? What is the significance of the “recent period” in Chinese history? In the report today, instead of proposing a “correct” answer, I would like to discuss the issues as follow: 1.How does the “recent period” become a specific term in Chinese history? 2. What are the moan problems “the studies of the recent period” have to confront? 3. How could we figure out the image of the “recent period?” 　　Since my opinions might not be mature enough, I would appreciate any comment.
Keyword	early modern, recent period
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