Moral Principle. Imperial Chinese rules of family/kinship varied from one community to another, but they shared some characteristics: they all placed an emphasis on moral principles or Confucian concepts, translating them into the norms of personal conduct in daily life. Violations of these norms were usually met with group disapproval, ranging from gossip and ridicule to punishment and exclusion. However, the rule of family/kinship gave priority to moral persuasion rather than to physical punishment, unless the latter penalty became absolutely necessary. Moral persuasion started when a person was young and continued through lifelong socialization.

Six Elements. With an emphasis placed on the hierarchy of generations and ages, moral persuasion comprised six elements: showing filial piety to one's parents; respecting one's elders; staying in agreement with the common interests of the community; taking responsibility for...