Professor Zhou Shucan, a doctoral supervisor from the School of Society at Soochow University, delivered a lecture titled “The Debate on the Existence of a Slave Society in China from the Perspective of Marxist Social Formation Theory” at the invitation of the School of Humanities at Taizhou University on October 16 in the Linhai campus. The lecture was chaired by Zhang Yan, Deputy Director of the Academic Affairs Office and Associate Professor of History. Nearly 50 attendees included History Department Head Zhang Chengzhong, faculty members Dr. Pan Run and Ye Fan, and students.

Professor Zhou Shucan delivering the lecture

Professor Zhou began by reviewing Guo Moruo’s pioneering 1930s work applying classical Marxist theory to ancient Chinese society, which established the paradigm for Chinese Marxist historiography. He noted that subsequent scholarly efforts solidified “the existence of a slave society in China” as the mainstream view. Professor Zhou explained that Marx and Engels viewed slavery as universal in ancient societies, distinguishing between Greco-Roman “labor slavery” and Eastern “domestic slavery,” providing a crucial theoretical framework.

Professor Zhou analyzed the rise and development of the “no slavery” theory, which emerged in the 1930s and regained traction during early reform and opening-up. He pointed out its conceptual vagueness, reliance on fragmented evidence, and circular logic, suggesting it requires further theoretical and empirical systematization.

Arguing for the existence of a slave society in China, Professor Zhou highlighted characteristics of the early state phase and relevant archaeological finds. He indicated that the “designated service system” of the Xia, Shang, and Western Zhou periods manifested slave-owning production relations. He stressed the need for enhanced dialogue between history and archaeology to advance understanding of ancient Chinese social formations.

Lecture in Progress

During the Q&A, Professor Zhou addressed questions on the peculiarities and complexities of Chinese slavery and the influence of Western thought on Chinese historical studies, reaffirming the guiding role of Marxist social formation theory in historical research.

The lecture, grounded in solid historical evidence and rigorous logic, offered intellectual depth and breadth through scholarly debate. It provided an enlightening experience for attendees, underscoring the fundamental importance of adhering to the materialist conception of history and delving deeply into historical documents in studying ancient Chinese history.