The Pursuit of Hierarchy: Understanding Chinese Values

In this episode of 22 George Street, we explore how the deeply rooted hierarchical value system (阶级差序) shapes Chinese society. From probing questions about status to relentless power dynamics, we discuss how these behaviors stem from Confucian ideals that prioritize rank and dominance.

We trace the historical and philosophical roots of this mindset and contrast it with Western ideals of equality and individual autonomy. Beyond personal interactions, we examine how hierarchical thinking influences China’s international relations, fostering zero-sum strategies over cooperation.

Finally, we reflect on the consequences of this value system for China’s future, arguing that without a shift toward more egalitarian values, progress may remain constrained by cycles of competition and mistrust. This episode offers a critical look at the cultural forces shaping one of the world’s most complex societies.

Transcript

Title: The pursuit of hierarchy: Understanding Chinese Values 

Welcome to 22 George Street, I’m your host, George. Today, we’re diving into the complex value system that shapes Chinese society. Following our previous episode, where we explored the Chinese worldview, this time, we turn our attention to their values, specifically how hierarchy and social dynamics define their way of life. 

To understand Chinese values, we can start with three recurring tendencies that define their interactions: 

The habit of probing into others' personal lives. 

The need to assert dominance over others. 

The peculiar satisfaction derived from others’ misfortunes. 

These tendencies, though they may seem trivial or superficial, are deeply rooted in China’s hierarchical social structure. Let’s delve into the cultural and historical mechanisms behind this phenomenon. 

To explain this, imagine the concept of wind. In nature, wind is created by differences in air pressure—air flows from high-pressure zones to low-pressure ones. Similarly, in Chinese society, the hierarchy creates "pressure differences," or social winds, that drive behaviors. These “winds” are not refreshing breezes but suffocating forces, filled with tension, comparison, and mutual harm. 

When a group of Chinese people gathers, there’s often a palpable unease if the social hierarchy isn’t immediately clear. This discomfort quickly morphs into a series of probing questions: Where are you from? How old are you? What’s your job? Which school did you graduate from? How much do you earn? These questions, which might appear as innocent small talk, are actually tactics to swiftly identify each person’s position in the social pecking order. Once roles are established, the dynamics and tone of interaction adjust accordingly.  

This phenomenon is deeply embedded in Chinese culture. Confucianism, one of China’s core philosophical traditions, established a rigid framework of hierarchical ethics: “Let the ruler be a ruler, the minister a minister, the father a father, and the son a son.” This principle, called differentiated order, defines social relationships by roles and ranks. The ritual systems that evolved around these roles further entrenched these hierarchies, shaping not only how people interact but also how they perceive their own value.  

In China, individual worth isn’t derived from personal achievements or intrinsic qualities but rather from one’s position within the hierarchy. This is in stark contrast to Western Enlightenment ideas, which emphasize equality and individual freedom. Thinkers like Kant introduced concepts such as autonomy, which assert that every human being has inherent value as an end in themselves—not as a means to others' ends. This idea fundamentally challenges the hierarchical worldview. In liberal societies, leadership is valued not for the power it wields but for its ability to inspire creativity and foster collaboration. Similarly, personal fulfillment is sought through self-realization, not through comparing oneself to others. 

In China, however, such egalitarian ideals have never taken root. The hierarchical mindset is deeply entrenched in both social and psychological structures. From birth to death, individuals are swept up in the relentless winds of hierarchy. This dynamic affects everyone—whether they are in positions of power or on the lower rungs of society. 

For those at the top, maintaining hierarchy often requires symbolic gestures of power rather than practical actions. For example, Chinese leaders might demand excessive, meaningless displays of loyalty—compelling subordinates to work unnecessary overtime or perform personal errands, like cleaning their homes on weekends. These acts are less about practicality and more about reinforcing dominance. Michel Foucault’s theories on power help us understand this phenomenon: power is not just about overt control but also about creating systems of dependence and subjugation through subtle, symbolic practices. Each act of submission fortifies the authority of the superior, perpetuating the cycle. 

It’s tempting to think that those at the top of the hierarchy enjoy the privileges of power, but this is a misconception. The winds of hierarchy are relentless, and no one is spared. The hierarchy demands constant reaffirmation, even among peers at the top, leading to endless competition and backstabbing. Meanwhile, those at the bottom harbor silent resentment. For every act of submission, there’s an unspoken expectation of reward—a quid pro quo deeply embedded in the culture. When these expectations are unmet, frustration boils over into covert acts of sabotage or outright rebellion, further destabilizing the system. 

This cycle of mutual exploitation creates an environment of pervasive distrust. Philosophically, this dynamic reflects Foucault’s idea that power in such systems is not a unidirectional force but a web of competing interests, where trust and genuine collaboration are virtually absent. 

China’s hierarchical values extend beyond domestic society and influence its interactions on the global stage. In Chinese discourse, international relations are often framed in terms of hierarchy, with phrases like “This country is that country’s master” or “This nation is merely a puppet.” This reflects the same worldview of dominance and submission that shapes Chinese social behavior. 

Unlike the Western notion of international relations, which has been heavily influenced by Locke’s social contract theory and emphasizes equality and mutual respect, China’s approach often assumes a zero-sum dynamic: one nation must dominate while the other submits. This perspective fosters hostility and misinterpretation, making it difficult for China to build trust and goodwill on the global stage. 

Even when China attempts to build alliances, its hierarchical mindset prevails. For instance, initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative involve massive loans and aid packages, often beyond economic rationale, in an attempt to create dependency. However, these efforts often backfire due to a lack of transparency and perceived self-interest, further isolating China in the international community. 

The hierarchical value system, deeply rooted in Chinese culture, perpetuates a cycle of mutual harm and stagnation. It limits innovation, stifles collaboration, and fosters a society where relationships are defined by power dynamics rather than mutual respect. The narratives of “grassroots triumph” in Chinese media may offer temporary solace, but they also reinforce the toxic fantasy of rising above others rather than rising together. 

Breaking free from this cycle requires a cultural and philosophical shift—one akin to the Enlightenment in the West. Equality, freedom, and mutual respect must replace the obsession with hierarchy. Without such transformation, China risks remaining trapped in a perpetual cycle of internal and external conflict, unable to fully embrace the modern world.  

Thank you for joining me on this episode of 22 George Street. For those who value freedom and equality, the best advice might just be to keep your distance from these winds of hierarchy. See you next time! Ciao!