조선 유학의 규율 권력, 『소학(小學)』

Abstract

Confucianism is known as a "philosophy of relationships." Confucianism recognizes human essence via interactions with others. And the fundamental guideline for forming relationships with people is Shu(恕). However, Confucianism in Joseon dynasty broke this golden rule by oppressing the socially disadvantaged, such as children and women. Its justification was Li(禮), and this was an absolute pressure that could not be rejected since it was a national power obligation. And this internalization of Li(禮) was accomplished by 『Xiao-xue(小學)』. However, in terms of ‘Xiaojie(小節, petty manners)’ education, such as ‘Sa Sao Yingdui(灑掃應對, swethe courtyard)’, which is stressed in 『Xiao-xue(小學)』, it is ‘the internalization of power’ rather than ‘embodied morality.’ 『Xiao-xue(小學)』 educates individuals to habituate ‘Xiaojie(小節)’ such as dress, gestures, tone of voice, eyes, and facial rules, which have the characteristics of a social code that discloses power dynamics. As a result, its function in vertical power relationships is more akin to a ‘social control function’ than an ethical or phatic one. Furthermore, the Li(禮) of 『Xiao-xue(小學)』 was not mutually helpful, but rather one-sided, demanding of children and women. It was a sadistic ethic and oppression to build a patriarchal ideology. It was especially cruel to women. 『Xiao-xue(小學)』 is a text of Xiushen(修身,cultivation of the self) that is built on relationship and seeks for relationship with others, but the relationship is not one of respect and regard, and Xiushen(修身) is not an autonomous moral training. The relationship is vertical relationships and Xiushen(修身) is training to internalize those power relationships. 『Xiao-xue(小學)』 was the disciplinary power of Confucianism in Joseon.