What are the Similarities and Differences between Korean and Chinese Lineages?
Both Korea and China have a long history which can be traced long before the Common Era. The word Korea probably roots from the title of the ancient kingdom Goguryeo, which existed between 1st century BC and 7th century AD on the premises of the Korean peninsula and Manchuria (Washburn, 2013). Other Kingdoms which were formed on the territory of modern Korea are Silla and Baekjae (Washburn, 2013). Further Korea was invaded by China. Throughout the centuries, Korea was seen either as a tribute kingdom or as a dangerous land, which might convey strangers to China (J. J., 2013). In turn, China had a long history of development from kingdom to empire and finally to the democratic republic. It conquered Korea partially several times. However, it was invaded by Mongols in13th century (J. J., 2013). Korea was also attacked by the Japanese. The main historical difference between China and Korea was that Korea suffered from dependence from other countries whereas China had long periods of independency. Also, Koreans managed to invent their own alphabet and system of writing. On the other hand, Koreans adopted Buddhism and later Neo-Confucianism from the Chinese Empire, as well as the main peculiarities of culture.
Describe Kinships and Lineages in Korean Rural Society and their Differences in other East Asian Societies
East Asian Societies developed different family and kinship traditions based on the difference in their philosophies and political peculiarities. The Kinships in Korean Rural Societies are based on several levels. The first level is called patrimonial unit. The eldest son’s household is considered to be this unit. Further goes the younger son’s household, the mourning group. They are common patrilineal offspring up to the 4th generation. They form the lineage. The last level of kinship unites people bearing the common name and ancestor (Yakovlev, 2012, p.1). The Korean Kinships differ from the Chinese one as Koreans paid more attention to maternal and affinal kin. This means that Koreans give rights to a cognatic group of kinsmen (Deuchler, 2003, pp.37-38). The Japanese families also lived in a complex system of kinship. However, in Japan the family cult has three vertical levels and Koreans chose the horizontal levels (Yakovlev, 2013, p.2)
References
Deuchler, M. (2003). The Confucian transformation of Korea: A study of society and ideology. Cambridge, MA: Council on East Asian Studies, Harvard University.
J, J. (2013, April 12). Korea in Chinese history: Stuck in the middle. The Economist. Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2013/04/korea-chinese-history
Washburn, T. (2013, April 15). How an Ancient Kingdom Explains Today's China-Korea Relations. Atlantic. Retrieved from http://www.theatlantic.com/china/archive/2013/04/how-an-ancient-kingdom-explains-todays-china-korea-relations/274986/
Yakovlev, V. (2012). Status, Kinship and Society in pre-modern Korea and Japan. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/2634306/Status_Kinship_and_Society_in_pre-modern_Korea_and_Japan
