The Social Control System in the Towns of South China in the Ming and Qing Dynasties

Towns were emerging everywhere in South China in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.The majesty didn't arrive at the counties in the traditional society.The feudal officials and local authorities strengthened their social control with compelling or non-compelling methods for the stabilization and development of towns' society.The non-compelling method was good for complementarity.It played an irreplaceable role in maintaining social stability,especially in the normal operation and further development of social economy of the towns.