Americans and Chinese: Passages to Differences [Paperback]

Hsu Francis L K (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 082480757X | ISBN-13: 978-0824807573 | Publication Date: October 1, 1981 | Edition: 3

From the Backcover "When the first edition of Professor Hsu's book was published in 1953, it became a celebrated book, highly valued among scholars across many fields in the humanities and social sciences.... The publication of the third edition of this book, almost thirty years after its first appearance, certainly says a great deal about its value.... Reading this classic allows the readers to see real people, and how people relate to people, in two culturally contrasting societies. This book will serve a useful purpose for those who have little understanding of the cultural history and psychological orientations of the people of China and the United States." --The Journal of Psychoanalytic Anthropology

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Francis L.K. Hsu is a professor emeritus of anthropology and a past director of the Center for Cultural Studies in Education at the University of San Francisco. For many years he was chairman of the Department of Anthropology at Northwestern University, and in 1977-1978 he served as president of the American Anthropological Association.

Product Details

• Paperback: 568 pages
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press; 3 edition (October 1, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082480757X
• ISBN-13: 978-0824807573
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,091,288 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent comparison of American and Chinese cultures, May 19, 1998

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[e-mail] (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Americans and Chinese: Passages to Differences (Paperback)

Professor Hsu knows well--and understands well--the cultural characteristics of contemporary Americans and Chinese. This is not a history text, but rather an in-depth look at the differences between peoples which are the result of history. I would consider it "must" reading for both societies. The 1981 publication date does not make it outdated. Professor Hsu writes intelligently, humorously,and very seriously about a "meeting of minds." He doesn't pull punches, and at the same time he is fair. Chinese and Americans have a lot to learn about each other. Begin here--and keep it on hand.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read, January 10, 2007

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Mary (Washington, DC, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Americans and Chinese: Passages to Differences (Paperback)

Professor Hsu knows well--and understands well--the cultural characteristics of contemporary Americans and Chinese. This is not a history text, but rather an in-depth look at the differences between peoples which is the result of history. I would consider it "must" reading for both societies. The 1981 publication date does not make it outdated. In fact, at the present, the insights it offers are more pertinent than ever. Professor Hsu writes intelligently, humorously, and very seriously about a "meeting of minds." He doesn't pull punches, and at the same time he is fair. Chinese and Americans have a lot to learn about--and from--each other. Begin here--and keep this unique "teacher's manual" on hand.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Seminal Work in the Field of Cross Cultural Studies, October 25, 2004

By 

Rick (Hong Kong, China) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Americans and Chinese: Passages to Differences (Paperback)

I came across Dr. Hsu's work during my doctoral research and found his observations of the similarities and differences between American and Chinese thinking insightful--at times profoundly so. Here is an academic who writes with clarity and common sense, yet bases his conclusions on years of firsthand experience and ongoing research. Although its last reprint was nearly a quarter century ago, most of what he describes and explains remains pertinent today. Those conducting cross-cultural studies, or otherwise engaged in international exchanges between these two nations, would do well to read and heed this book. Nothing since approaches this even more timely topic with the same sense of philosophical distance and objectivity.