Origins & Early Life

Fei Xiaotong or Fei Hsiao-tung (November 2, 1910 – April 24, 2005) was a Chinese anthropologist and sociologist. He was a pioneering researcher and professor of sociology and anthropology; he was also noted for his studies of China's ethnic groups as well as a social activist. Starting in the late 1930s, he and his colleagues established Chinese sociology and his works were instrumental in laying a foundation for the development of sociological and anthropological studies in China, as well as in introducing social and cultural phenomena of China to the international community. His last post before his death in 2005 was as Professor of Sociology at Peking University.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Fei Xiaotong was born in Wujiang County of Suzhou on November 2, 1910. His world was one plagued with political corruption and abject poverty. He grew up in a gentry but yet not wealthy family. His father, Fei Pu'an (费朴安) was educated in the Chinese classics, earned a shengyuan civil service degree, studied in Japan, and founded a middle school. Fei's mother, Yang Renlan (杨纫兰), the Christian daughter of a government official and also highly educated for her time, established a nursery school in Wujiang...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Barthélemy Boganda — Contemporary (Born in 1910) (1910): Pioneering Central African politician and independence activist.
• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Contemporary (Died in 2005) (2005): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances.
• Anne Bancroft — Contemporary (Died in 2005) (2005): Versatile American actress celebrated for her profound method acting prowess.
• Anthony Barber — Contemporary (Died in 2005) (2005): British Conservative politician, Chancellor of the Exchequer (1970-1974)
• Aga Khan III — Shared historical date (11-02 · Born) (1877): 48th Imam of the Nizari Isma'ili community and founder of the All-India Muslim League.
• Anupam Tripathi — Shared historical date (11-02 · Born) (1988): Indian actor based in South Korea, known for roles in K-dramas and films.
• Alejo Carpentier — Shared historical date (04-24 · Died) (1980): Influential Cuban novelist, essayist, and musicologist of the Latin American Boom.
• Barbra Streisand — Shared historical date (04-24 · Born) (1942): Iconic American vocalist and actress known for her powerful voice and enduring career.
• 1910 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1910
• November 2 (11-02) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 2
• 2005 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2005
• April 24 (04-24) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 24