【作者简介】许方毅、周飞舟，北京大学社会学系

【文章来源】《社会学研究》2026年第4期

【内容提要】本文通过对《仪礼》《礼记》等儒家经典的解读，呈现“报”对于理解中国社会关系的重要性。报在交往中突出自卑而尊人的精神，表现为“礼”的形式。报也是对不同伦理关系的回应，反映出“伦”的特征。朋友之报，体现为宾主相敬之礼。君臣之报，体现为君以礼待臣、臣以忠事君，内含着不对等的义务关系。兄弟之报，体现为丧服中的报服，构成差序对等的格局，蕴含着以仁待人、以义自处的精神。父子之间的孝则不能还原为报，推孝才有报，此可谓报自孝出。以报为核心的社会交往，将中国社会的人伦关系纳入施报之礼中，从而体现出鲜明的伦理意涵。

【关键词】报；礼；关系；孝

【项目基金】本文是教育部哲学社会科学研究重大项目“基于中华优秀传统文化的中国社会学理论体系建设”（2026JZDZ090）的阶段性成果。

【全文链接】https://shxyj.ajcass.com/Magazine/show/?id=123239

“Bao”: The Confucian Theory of Social Interaction

Abstract: This paper, through an interpretation of Confucian classics such as the Yili (Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial) and the Liji (Book of Rites), presents the importance of bao (reciprocity) for understanding Chinese social relations. In social interaction, bao highlights a spirit of humbling oneself and esteeming others, taking the form of li (ritual). Bao is also a response to various ethical relations, reflecting the characteristics of lun (ethical order). The bao between friends is embodied in the rites of mutual respect between host and guest. The bao between ruler and minister is manifested in the ruler treating the minister with li and the minister serving the ruler with loyalty, implying an asymmetrical relationship of obligations. The bao between brothers is embodied in the reciprocal mourning attire (bao fu), constituting a pattern of differential reciprocity that encompasses the spirit of treating others with benevolence and conducting oneself with righteousness. Filial piety between father and son, however, cannot be reduced to bao; bao arises only when filial piety is extended. Social interactions centered on bao incorporate the human relationships of Chinese society into the ritual of giving and repaying, thus revealing a distinctly ethical significance.