地域史論

Abstract

In this article, I have tried to define the concepts regarding “area”and to draw up a tentative proposal for a new approach to the study of “area” history. As examined, there are various concepts subsumed within “area” such as province, locality, region, area, and the like. Each concept has its own characteristics as well as its own usefulness as a tool for research. I propose that the study of “area” history should start in terms of a region respecting the relative value of other concepts concerned. In order to illustrate this, I have interpreted the local history during the Choson period as a model for a new approach to the study of “area” history. My emphasis in my interpretation is as follows:I have focused on the subjectivity of people of an “area” in order to shed light on the independency of the “area” history. In a similar way, I took note of the representation of people of an “area” in order to illuminate into the identity of the “area” history. The perspective respecting subjectivity and independency is premised on the proposition that every human thinks, judges, and acts subjectively and independently. The perspective emphasizing representation and identification is premised on the proposition that every human represents the group in which he belongs as a way to identify himself. I have drawn the researcher's attention to when the representatives for the central government and local people meet with each other bringing their own group interest to the table. The central government wants to control and tax the local people to the maximum degree,whereas the local people wanted to be subject to the minimum amount of control and taxation by the central government. What deserves most notice is how the local people subjectively act against the measures by the central government. The close and precise investigation into the dynamics of such a situation contributes to the writing of a new history of an “area” by recognizing the independency of the “area”history.