漢代三老の變化と敎化

Abstract

Previous studies of the Sanlao system during the Han period have not focused on the fact that the post of Sanlao was established by the central government to fulfill specific functions. In this paper, I analyze the Sanlao system with particular emphasis on the facts that: 1, The purpose of the establishment of the Sanlao system in the early Han period was to requisition both food and troops. This was accomplished via the incorporation of Fulao 父老, or leaders of local societies, into the Sanlao system as official delegates of these societies. 2, Under the reign of Wendi 文帝, those who held the positions of Sanlao as "leaders of the people" 衆民之師 were expected by the central government to ensure that the population under their control comply and cooperate with government policies. 3, In the latter half of the Former Han period, with the enactment of the enlightenment policy of instructing the people Xiaoti 孝悌 by means of the Xiaojing 孝經, as a "respected elder" (Zunnian 尊年) those chosen for the position of Sanlao were expected to both instruct the people in government policy and to serve as distinguished representatives of this policy.