关键词: 棚民, 社会流动, 江西铅山

Abstract: The historical experience of the “shed people” (pengmin) in Jiangxi Province during Qing Dynasty illustrates the long process of upward social mobility for the underclass in the traditional times. The achievement of upward social mobility for the shed people can be divided into four stages. First, they obtained a relatively stable way to earn a living, settled down and acclimated to the place of relocation, and had basic rights recognized by the government. Second, they engaged in mountain goods trade, accumulated wealth, invested in public welfare undertakings, and joined the local elite. Then, they were able to support the ethnic minorities in their academic study and obtain imperial examination degrees and the qualifications to become officials. Therefore, the social status of the shed people was not materially different from that of ordinary people. Finally, the shed people secured office and created opportunities for their children. In traditional period, the essence of social mobility was not to take the imperial civil service examinations and gain fame, but to obtain a part of the ruling power granted and transferred by the ruler or a specific group through various channels, as well as the privileges and honors attached to this power.