A Critical Analysis of the Fifth Relationship: Dangerous Friendships in the Confucian Context

A Critical Analysis of the Fifth Relationship: Dangerous Friendships in the Confucian Context

Introduction

In this essay, we would attempt to critically analyze the article written by Norman Kutchner published in December 2000. In his article, Kutchner has attempted to study the Chinese society and values. The familial values of the country have also been highlighted. Throughout the article, Kutchner maintains that China continues to function as a “state family”. A closer analysis reveals that every relationship in China i.e. husband & wife, brother & sister, father & son seem to have evolved out of devotion and commitment to the state and family. In this essay, we would attempt to analyze the article Fifth Relationship: Dangerous Friendships in the Confucian Context. The analysis would be conducted by comparing the thoughts held by Norman Kutchner to those held by other authors i.e. Lynn Struve (2009), Ana Caroline Hosne (2011) and Thomas Metzgner in “The Western Concept of Civil society in the Context of Chinese History”.

Analysis of the Fifth Relationship: Dangerous Friendships in the Confucian Context

People are living in a global village where their neighbors, friends, and co-workers will not necessarily share the same norms and values or speak the same native language. Hall (1989) said,”We must be willing to admit that the people of this planet don`t just live in one culture but in many worlds and some of these worlds, if not properly understood, can and do annihilate the others. (p. 201). In fact, it is the same case with China. More and more internationals come to the China. for a short term or long term stay.

The likelihood for those individuals to form relationships with China nationals is increasing. They form various relationships in different settings in the China, such as universities, companies, and other organizations. Therefore, it is necessary to explore how they relate in face-to- face contexts and how they develop their interpersonal relationships with people in the host culture.

International perspectives

The increasing numbers of international students at universities have provided a productive focus of research in intercultural contact, communication and adaptation. Many studies have revealed the positive outcomes of intercultural contact, especially in helping with international students'social and academic adjustment and in promoting intercultural understanding and learning (Furnham & Bochner, 1982; Zimmermann, 1995). There is even an argument that intercultural contact experiences of international students and local students influence future international relations and politics since some international students later become important decision makers in their home countries (Volet & Ang, 1998). Regardless the significance of intercultural contact issues, our knowledge about intercultural friendships is still very limited (Kudo & Simkin, 2003). Therefore, it is important to do more research about the intercultural friendship experiences of international students.

Generally, people believe in China that forming friendships especially close or best-friend relationships with members of the host culture can largely facilitate and assist adjustment in the foreign countries. Friendships with host country people can also provide international ...