Journal of Shanghai University (Social Science Edition) ›› 2015, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (2): 112-125.

• Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Fresh Thinking on the Relationship between Interests and Value in the Transforming Society

  

  1. School of Sociology and Political Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
  • Received:2014-08-06 Online:2015-03-15 Published:2015-03-15

Abstract:  Marxist interests theory not only expounds that the pursuit of interests is the driving force of all social activities and interests relation is the core of all social relations, but also points out that interests relation is the logic starting point of ideological development, the basis of thought and the yardstick of value. At present, the loss of value regulation caused by interests conflicts in China′s transforming society is the biggest social risk and crisis demonstrated in the  following main features. Firstly, there is lack of ideological and institutional preparation for the trend of individualization and value pluralism. Secondly, there are still conceptual and ideological obstacles to the reform in the transforming society. Thirdly, there is lack of the principle of opportunity equality and procedural justice, which has become the root cause of social value crisis. Fourthly, newlyrising social groups appear as “subhealthy”, whose value inclination is severely unbalanced. Then, how to realize value consensus based on interests agreement so as to achieve the goal of common prosperity and harmonious society? The key lies in the following four aspects: first, transcending the mode of single value guidance and establishing the important position of interests guidance; second, emphasizing the value sequencing of reform and opening up; third, coordinating social interests appeal and value orientation; fourth, actively fostering civil awareness and vigorously developing social organizations.

Key words:  Marxist interests theory, social value crisis, value inclination, social interests appeal, value consensus

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