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.

摘要： 清代江西棚民的历史实践显示，下层民众实现上升流动的过程非常漫长，大概可分为四个阶段：获得相对稳定的谋生方式，定居入籍；从事山货贸易，积累财富，投资公益事业，跻身精英阶层；支持、资助族人读书业举，考取科举功名，获得官员任选资格；谋取官职，并为子侄创造入仕的机会。明清棚民群体的社会角色与普通民众无实质区别，并非全是学界妖魔化的贼寇。传统时期社会上升流动的实质不是读书考功名，而是普通人通过各种渠道获得统治者或特定群体授予和让渡的一部分统治权力的过程。

关键词: 棚民, 社会流动, 江西铅山