The Clan Rules of the Song Dynasty and Basic Social Management

Clan constitutes basic component of Chinese ancient patriarchal consanguinity.It was not directly governed by the power of the state,and had geopolitical differences.Clan was to a certain extent free from the effect of the national law.However,the fundamental principles of clan rules were consistent with the national law.Starting from the Song dynasty,large-scale clan organizations in the basic unit society were generally established,and the making of clan rule also became common practice.During this period,the custom and morality were adopted by clan rules as the guidelines.Clan rules and the law of the state ensured the normal operation of the society of the Song Dynasty,and the former supplemented the latter in the judicial practice of national law.At the same time,clan rules were close to the grass root,and were helpful for the grass-roots political stability in feudal society.