School of Social and Political Science

Description

About the talk:

In this talk, Canglong Wang explores the intricate relationship between nationalism and cosmopolitanism and how they influence the discourse and practice of citizenship, especially within Confucian education. Wang investigates the theoretical underpinnings of Confucian classical education and share insights from the teaching practices at a specific Confucian school, showing how these elements come together to shape students into Confucian cosmopolitan citizens with a strong sense of Chinese national identity. Through this discussion, Wang offers an insider perspective on how civic identity is nurtured within the Confucian tradition, contributing to the broader shift toward post-orientalist understandings of citizenship. Ultimately, Wang argues that Confucian education has the potential to enrich global conversations on citizenship by providing nuanced perspectives on the relationship between national identity and global awareness, all within the unique context of China’s political and cultural environment.

About the speaker:

Canglong Wang is a Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Brighton. He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Edinburgh and has previously taught at the University of Hull and Birkbeck, University of London. His research extensively explores the cultural, social, and political implications of the revival of Confucian education in contemporary China. He has a persistent research interest in the topic of Confucianism and citizenship in China. His work has been featured in many leading journals and edited volumes. He is the author of “The Rise of Confucian Citizens in China: Theoretical Reflections and Empirical Explorations” (Routledge, 2023) and “Cultivating the Confucian Individual: The Confucian Education Revival in China” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2023). As a guest editor, Dr. Wang has successfully completed three Special Issues of journals, including “Reconsidering Chinese Citizenship” for Citizenship Studies (2023), “Beyond the State’s Reach? Education and Citizen Making in China” for Social Transformations in Chinese Societies (2023), and “Reinventing Confucian Education in Contemporary China” for China Perspectives (2022).

About the series:

The Sociology Speaker Series presents the latest research by academic staff members and distinguished guests from across the United Kingdom and beyond. We normally meet on Wednesdays during the semester. Registration is free and open to all University of Edinburgh students and staff. Organised by Dr Lisa McCormick (lisa.mccormick@ed.ac.uk).

Presented by the Sociology Speaker Series and ASEN. This event is hybrid. Select the ticket type "Attending on Zoom" to receive a link to join remotely.