The Confucian Social Model

This paper proposes a Confucian social model by comparing political authority to parental authority, specifically drawing on Diana Baumrind's three types: permissive, overbearing, and authoritative. While contemporary democratic politics often aligns liberal and conservative government models with "nurturing parent" and "strict father" archetypes, a truly authoritative model remains largely elusive. We argue for a social model rooted in the moral principles and ethical reciprocity articulated in the Analects of Confucius. Distinct from Western concepts of individual rights, Confucianism emphasizes the relational virtue of yielding with propriety and fostering harmonious social interactions. This study explores the inherent origins and societal functions of Confucian virtues, demonstrating how traditional family management principles can be effectively extended to broader societal governance. Viewed as a form of political pragmatism, Confucianism cultivates leadership through alignment with the Way of nature. It operates as a comprehensive social propriety, nurturing virtue and personal character, promoting traditional values within families and among friends, and encouraging the diligent fulfillment of civic duties. Ultimately, Confucianism offers a compelling authoritative model applicable to both family and government.