Twenty Lectures on Social Sciences.

Summary

The text discusses the historical evolution of family and societal structures in China, questioning whether society is merely a collection of families. It highlights that traditional definitions of family, rooted in monogamous systems, were not always present. Instead, ancient societies likely operated under promiscuous or group marriage systems. Relationships were initially unrestricted but evolved over time due to changes in property ownership and societal norms. As property became private, the need for identifiable lineage arose, leading to the establishment of monogamous marriage systems. Thus, the text concludes that society existed prior to the formation of modern families, driven by communal living and interdependence among individuals.

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