draft（EAHR）

Title ： Contingent Dignity and Hierarchy as Human Control Mechanisms: A Critical Study of East Asian Patriarchal Structures
東亞父權結構中的條件性尊嚴與人類控制階級機制：批判性研究

Author: Jules Vela

Date: 2025-11-13

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© 2025 Jules Vela. All rights reserved.

This work is the exclusive intellectual property of Jules Vela. Its publication on SSRN is strictly for archival and academic record purposes. No part of this work may be copied, shared, reproduced, or publicly distributed without explicit written permission from the author.

Abstract
This study proposes a set of original theoretical concepts to analyze the structural oppression in East Asian patriarchal societies. It introduces Contingent Dignity, Hierarchy as a Human Control Mechanism, and East Asian Collectivist Centralization, Confucian Poison   projects Psychological caste-like exploitation East Asian hierarchical patriarchy  East Asian Status Currency  among other concepts, to explain how authority, cultural norms, and hierarchical systems systematically exploit, suppress, and psychologically condition subordinates from birth. Using case studies from media, entertainment, and familial contexts—including the Wang Jiawei recordings, Jackie Chan stunt controversies, Teresa Teng and Jackie Chan’s public narratives, and Li Ao’s treatment of Hu Yinmeng—this paper illustrates how East Asian patriarchal culture operationalizes conditional dignity and hierarchical control. These cases demonstrate the systemic violation of individual dignity, labor rights, and psychological well-being, especially for women and children.

本研究提出一套原創理論概念，用以分析東亞父權社會中的結構性壓迫。研究引入條件性尊嚴（Contingent Dignity）、人類控制機制下的階級制度（Hierarchy as a Human Control Mechanism）及東亞式集體主義集權（East Asian Collectivist Centralization）Confucian Poison （儒毒）（Psychological caste-like exploitation ）心理上的種姓式壓榨，East Asian hierarchical patriarchy （東亞式尊卑制度與父權綁架尊嚴）East Asian Status Currency （東亞社會地位貨幣）等概念，說明權威、文化規範與階級制度如何從出生開始系統性地剝削、壓迫並心理馴化下位者。本文通過案例研究，包括王家衛錄音事件、成龍替身爭議、邓麗君與成龍公共敘事、李敖對胡茵夢的羞辱等，展示東亞父權文化如何運作條件性尊嚴與階級控制，揭示個體尊嚴、勞動權及心理健康的制度性侵犯，尤其對女性與兒童的影響。

Keywords / 關鍵詞
Conditional Dignity, Hierarchy as a Human Control Mechanism, East Asian Patriarchy, Gender Oppression, Psychological Exploitation, Cultural Critique
條件性尊嚴、階級控制、人類控制機制、東亞父權、性別壓迫、心理剝削、文化批判

1. Introduction / 引言
East Asian societies exhibit a unique combination of collectivist centralization, patriarchal hierarchy, and cultural rituals that condition individuals from birth. Authority is reinforced not only through legal or coercive mechanisms but through psychological socialization, ritualized hierarchies, and face-based formalism. The purpose of this study is to formally define conditional dignity and hierarchical control mechanisms as theoretical tools for understanding systemic oppression in East Asia, particularly against women and children.

東亞社會呈現集體主義集權、父權階級與文化儀式的獨特結合，從出生開始就對個體進行心理馴化。權威不僅依靠法律或暴力維持，還通過心理社會化、儀式化階級和面子主義形式加以強化。本研究旨在正式提出條件性尊嚴（Conditional Dignity）與階級控制機制（Hierarchy as a Human Control Mechanism）作為分析東亞系統性壓迫的理論工具，尤其針對女性與兒童。

2. Literature Gap / 文獻空缺
While previous studies have examined patriarchal structures, collectivism, and gender roles in East Asia, few have formally theorized the conditional nature of dignity and its systemic enforcement through hierarchical, ritualized mechanisms. Existing literature rarely integrates psychological exploitation, labor/resource extraction, and intergenerational transmission of power into a coherent framework. This paper aims to fill that gap using original concepts and case studies.

雖然現有研究探討了東亞父權結構、集體主義與性別角色，但極少正式理論化尊嚴的條件性（Conditional Dignity）及其如何通過階級化、儀式化機制強制執行。現有文獻也很少將心理剝削、勞動/資源剝奪與代際權力傳遞整合成完整框架。本文旨在通過原創概念與案例研究填補這一空白。

3. Original Concepts and Theoretical Framework / 原創概念與理論框架

This section introduces original concepts developed for analyzing East Asian patriarchal structures, hierarchical control mechanisms, and the conditional nature of human dignity. These concepts provide clear theoretical definitions to support cultural critique, gender analysis, and sociological research.

本節提出了一套針對東亞父權結構、階級控制機制及人類尊嚴條件性現象的原創概念。這些概念提供了清晰的理論定義，用於文化批判、性別分析以及社會學研究。

3.1. Contingent Dignity（依附尊嚴 / 条件化尊嚴）

Definition / 定義:
In the East Asian context, individual dignity is not intrinsic or universally granted; rather, it is dependent upon recognition, evaluation, or approval from others, particularly those with social, institutional, or hierarchical authority. An individual’s perceived dignity fluctuates according to the attitudes, judgments, or expectations of others, and may be enhanced, diminished, or revoked based on social interactions, compliance, or perceived merit. Contingent dignity highlights how societal norms, cultural expectations, and interpersonal power dynamics in East Asia shape an individual’s sense of self-worth and entitlement to respect.

在東亞語境下，個體的尊嚴並非天生固有，也非普遍存在，而是依附於他人的認可、評價或授予，尤其是來自擁有社會、制度或階層權力者的認可。個人的尊嚴感會根據他人的態度、評價或期望而波動，可能因社會互動、服從行為或被認為的價值而增強、削弱或被剝奪。條件化尊嚴突顯了東亞社會規範、文化期望與人際權力關係如何塑造個體的自我價值感及其獲得尊重的權利。

Notes / 備註:
Useful for cultural critique, gender studies, social psychology, and analyses of hierarchical societies, particularly in East Asia. Applicable to case studies where respect, status, or rights are mediated through others’ recognition rather than intrinsic entitlement.

可用於文化批判、性別研究、社會心理學及階層社會分析，特別適用於東亞語境。適用於案例研究中，當個體的尊重、地位或權利依賴他人認可而非固有權利時。

Hierarchy‑Contingent Dignity（等级依附尊嚴）

Definition / 定義:
A specific extension of Contingent Dignity in the East Asian context, hierarchy‑contingent dignity occurs when an individual’s perceived respect, authority, and entitlement are directly linked to social rank, institutional position, or hierarchical power structures. In this framework, dignity is not only contingent upon others’ recognition but is structurally determined by the individual’s place within a social hierarchy. Social systems, cultural norms, or institutionalized practices in East Asia (such as patriarchal authority, organizational rank, or caste-like mechanisms) can amplify or suppress dignity based on hierarchical position. Hierarchy‑contingent dignity explains how systemic inequality and power asymmetries make individuals’ self-worth dependent on their conformity to social and institutional expectations, reinforcing obedience, submission, and psychological internalization of social rank.

在東亞語境下，條件化尊嚴的特定延伸——等级依附尊嚴——指個體的尊重感、權威感及權利感直接與社會階層、制度地位或權力結構掛鉤。在此框架下，尊嚴不僅依附於他人認可，還受個體在社會階層中的位置結構性決定。東亞的社會制度、文化規範或制度化實踐（例如父權權威、組織職級、類種姓機制）會根據階層地位放大或壓制尊嚴。等级依附尊嚴解釋了制度性不平等與權力不對稱如何使個體的自我價值依賴於對社會和制度期望的順從，從而加強服從、臣屬心理，以及對社會階層的內化認同。

Notes / 備註:
Critical for analyzing East Asian patriarchal societies, authoritarian systems, and collectivist hierarchical cultures. Useful for examining how social rank and institutionalized authority mediate access to respect, dignity, and rights in East Asia.

對分析東亞父權社會、威權體制及集體主義階層文化具有重要意義。可用於研究社會地位與制度化權威如何影響個體對尊重、尊嚴及權利的獲取（特別是在東亞社會）。

3.2. Hierarchy as a Human Control Mechanism / 人類控制機制下的階級制度

Definition / 定義: Social hierarchies are deliberately structured to control, exploit, and extract labor, creativity, and psychological energy from subordinates. This hierarchy functions as a systemic tool for maintaining power asymmetry and enforcing obedience.
社會階層被刻意設計，用以控制、剝削和榨取下位者的勞動、創造力及心理能量。這種階層制度作為系統性工具，用於維持權力不對稱並強化服從。

Notes / 備註: Suitable for sociology, psychology, and East Asian cultural studies.
適用於社會學、心理學及東亞文化研究。

3.3East Asian Collectivist Centralization / 東亞式集體主義集權

Definition / 定義: A form of centralized authority in collectivist East Asian cultures, in which individuals are psychologically conditioned from birth to accept obedience, internalize conditional dignity, and comply with caste-like exploitation systems.
在東亞集體主義文化中，權威集中形式使個體從出生開始心理馴化，接受服從、內化條件性尊嚴，並遵循近乎種姓式的剝削體系。

Notes / 備註: Provides a framework for empirical and comparative analyses of hierarchical societies.
可作為階層社會實證及比較分析的理論框架。

3.4. Confucian Poison / 儒毒

Definition / 定義: A critical term describing the harmful combination of Confucian ethics and patriarchal hierarchy, which systematically oppresses women and other subordinates.
描述儒家倫理與父權階級結合的有害現象，系統性地壓迫女性及其他下位者。

Notes / 備註: Applicable to cultural critique, gender analysis, and studies of intergenerational power transmission.
可應用於文化批判、性別分析及代際權力傳遞研究。

3.5  East Asian Status Currency / 東亞社會地位貨幣（Mianzi Currency / 面子貨幣）

Definition / 定義:

In East Asian societies, rituals, ceremonies, bureaucratic procedures, and symbolic forms are not merely decorative or superficial etiquette; they operate as a form of social currency. The author Jules Vela terms this phenomenon “Mianzi Currency / 面子貨幣” — a tradable form of social value within hierarchical interactions. This currency not only reflects status and reputation but also functions as a tool of power and control. Elites utilize these rituals and formal practices to reinforce hierarchical structures, control the behavior of subordinates, and extract psychological, social, and material compliance, compelling lower-status individuals to passively accept established rules and order.

Participation or non-participation in these rituals, as well as performance and recognition during them, directly determine an individual’s social value, reputation, access to resources, and privileges. As a form of Mianzi Currency, those in higher positions can directly demand from subordinates, in forms including but not limited to: kneeling, bowing, unconditional obedience, labor,   provision of sexual services, monetary payment, or other resources.  The influence of Mianzi Currency permeates all layers of life—family, school, workplace, public spaces, and broader socio-political hierarchies—and is deeply internalized from childhood, shaping psychological acceptance of hierarchy and conditional dignity. In other words, the self-worth, dignity, and social standing of subordinates entirely depend on the recognition of those above them, while the cost to the elite of gaining Mianzi Currency is minimal, sometimes requiring only a smile or a word of praise, yet it can influence the psychology and behavior of the entire hierarchical layer.

Participation in these rituals outwardly demonstrates loyalty and norm compliance, but in essence, it sustains the ruling elites’ dominance, naturalizing and institutionalizing hierarchical obedience. Mianzi Currency simultaneously serves as a medium of exchange, coercion, and domination, enabling superiors to extract not only material and labor value but also psychological, emotional, and social compliance, all often disguised as cultural tradition or ritual necessity.

On a deeper level, Mianzi Currency produces gendered and power-inequitable effects: women and lower-status individuals often must “pay” more to gain basic dignity or social recognition, and this payment extends beyond material contributions to include emotional, bodily, temporal, and psychological investment. Therefore, Mianzi Currency becomes a core instrument for psychological, social, and material exploitation within East Asian patriarchal and hierarchical systems.

在東亞社會中，儀式、典禮、官僚程序及象徵性形式不僅僅是裝飾或表面禮節，它們實際上作為一種社會貨幣運作。作者 Jules Vela 將這種現象稱為 「面子貨幣（Mianzi Currency / 面子貨幣）」——一種在階層互動中可交易的社會價值形式。這種貨幣不僅反映地位和聲譽，更直接作為權力和控制的工具。精英通過這些儀式與形式手段，不僅強化階級結構、控制下位者的行為，也榨取心理、社會及物質上的服從，使下位者被動接受其規則與秩序。

參與或不參與這些儀式，以及在儀式中的表現與被認可情況，會直接決定個體的社會價值、聲譽、資源獲取與特權分配。作為面子貨幣，上位者可以直接向下位者索取，形式多樣，包括但不限於：下跪、鞠躬、無條件服從、勞動付出、提供性服務、金錢或其他資源。面子貨幣的影響力貫穿個人生活的各個層面——家庭、學校、職場、公共場合以及更廣泛的社會政治階層——並從兒童期開始深度內化，形成對階層服從的心理認同，以及有條件的尊嚴（conditional dignity）。換言之，下位者的自我價值、尊嚴與社會地位全都依附於上位者的認可，而上位者獲得面子貨幣的成本極低，有時只需一個微笑、一句稱讚，便可影響整個階層的心理與行為。

參與這些儀式，表面上是展現忠誠與規範遵從，實質上則維護了精英的支配權力，將階層服從自然化、制度化。面子貨幣同時作為一種交換、強制與支配的媒介，使上位者得以榨取不僅是物質與勞動價值，還有心理、情感及社會層面的完全服從，而這一切往往被偽裝為文化傳統或儀式必然性。

更深層次地，面子貨幣還帶來性別與權力的不平等效應：女性和下位者往往 需要支付更多“貨幣”，以獲得基本的尊嚴或社會認可，而這種支付不僅限於物質，還包括情感、身體、時間與心理的投入。面子貨幣因此成為東亞父權和階層制度中心理、社會與物質三重剝削的核心工具。

3.6. Psychological caste-like exploitation / 心理上的種姓式壓榨

·       Definition / 定義: From birth, individuals internalize social hierarchies, willingly accepting humiliation, exploitation, and subordination as natural or deserved.
個體從出生開始內化社會階層，自願接受羞辱、剝削和服從，並將其視為理所當然或應得。

·       Notes / 備註: Relevant to child rights, psychological development, and intergenerational cultural analysis.
與兒童權利、心理發展及代際文化分析相關。

3.7East Asian hierarchical patriarchy / 東亞式尊卑制度與父權綁架尊嚴

·       Definition / 定義: A social system in which rank and gender determine rights, dignity, and access to resources. Women often occupy multiple obedience roles, serving fathers, husbands, and male authorities, thereby internalizing systemic oppression.
社會系統中，地位與性別決定權利、尊嚴及資源分配。女性通常承擔多重服從角色，對父親、丈夫及男性權威履行義務，從而內化系統性壓迫。

·       Notes / 備註: Relevant for gender studies, cultural critique, and analyses of East Asian patriarchal practices.
適用於性別研究、文化批判及東亞父權實踐分析。

3.  Case Studies / 案例分析

4.1 Wang Jiawei Recordings / 王家衛錄音事件

·       Upper-tier individuals humiliate and exploit subordinates while acquiring creative work at zero cost.

·       Illustrates how conditional dignity and hierarchical control operate in the film industry.

4.2 Jackie Chan Stunt Controversies / 成龍替身事件

·       Jackie Chan claimed personal responsibility for dangerous stunts, ignoring contributions of stunt doubles.

·       Stunt performers were underpaid or unfairly dismissed (e.g., 20-year stunt performer terminated for 100,000 RMB).

·       Demonstrates systemic labor exploitation under patriarchal celebrity culture.

4.3 Teresa Teng & Jackie Chan / 邓麗君與成龍公共敘事

·       Jackie Chan publicly claimed intimacy with Teng posthumously, undermining her reputation.

·       Shows male appropriation of female celebrity identity and social death via public narrative.

4.4 Li Ao & Hu Yinmeng / 李敖與胡茵夢

·       Li Ao married Hu Yinmeng for 3 months but publicly humiliated her for decades.

·       Highlights the patriarchal control of women’s dignity post-relationship, normalized in East Asian culture.

4.5 Angela Zhang / 張韶涵

·       Family and social systems contributed to career setbacks, financial losses, and mental health challenges, including severe depression.

·       Exemplifies intergenerational enforcement of conditional dignity and systemic psychological exploitation.

5.Discussion / 討論

The seven concepts—Conditional Dignity, Hierarchy as a Human Control Mechanism, East Asian Collectivist Centralization, Confucian Poison, Psychological Caste-like Exploitation, East Asian Hierarchical Patriarchy, and Mianzi Currency—together reveal a systemic pattern in East Asian social structures. These concepts illustrate how social hierarchies, cultural norms, and ritualized behaviors work in tandem to maintain elite dominance while shaping the psychology of subordinates.

From the case studies—Wong Kar-wai recordings, Jackie Chan stunt double, Zhang Shaochen / 張韶涵, Li Ao and Hu Yinmeng, and broader observations of East Asian social practices—it is clear that individuals’ rights, dignity, and psychological autonomy are conditional upon compliance with social hierarchies and elite expectations. Subordinates are often coerced into participation in rituals, obedience, or labor under the guise of culture or necessity, which normalizes exploitation and reinforces systemic inequality.

The discussion of Conditional Dignity and Mianzi Currency highlights how social validation itself is weaponized as a mechanism of control. Dignity is not intrinsic but can be granted or revoked by those in power, and social “status currency” transforms compliance into tangible rewards or penalties. This reinforces hierarchical obedience psychologically from childhood, creating a self-perpetuating system of caste-like exploitation.

The critical examination of Confucian Poison, East Asian Collectivist Centralization, and Hierarchical Patriarchy reveals the deep entanglement of culture, gender, and authority. Patriarchal ideology, reinforced through Confucian ethics and collective conditioning, provides a moral and social justification for control over women and subordinates, ensuring that systemic exploitation is reproduced across generations.

Finally, these mechanisms—whether through psychological coercion, ritualized compliance, or symbolic currency—underscore the importance of understanding East Asian social hierarchies as not only structural but also deeply internalized, shaping both behavior and subjective experience.

這七個核心概念——有條件的尊嚴、控制機制下的階級制度、東亞式集體主義集權、儒毒、心理上的種姓式壓榨、東亞式尊卑制度與父權綁架尊嚴以及面子貨幣——共同揭示了東亞社會結構中的系統性模式。這些概念表明，社會階層、文化規範和儀式化行為如何協同運作，以維持精英統治，並塑造下位者的心理與行為。

從案例研究——王家衛錄音事件、成龍替身事件、張韶晨 / 張韶涵事件、李敖與胡茵夢事件，以及對東亞社會實踐的觀察——可以清楚看到，個體的權利、尊嚴與心理自主權往往依附於遵守階層規範與精英期望。下位者常被迫參與儀式、服從或勞動，而這種強制常被偽裝成文化或必然性，使剝削正常化，並加強系統性不平等。

關於“有條件的尊嚴”和“面子貨幣”的討論揭示了社會認可本身如何被武器化作為控制機制。尊嚴並非固有，而可由掌權者授予或剝奪；社會“地位貨幣”則將服從轉化為可量化的獎懲。這從兒童期起心理上加強了階層服從，形成自我延續的種姓式剝削系統。

對“儒毒”、東亞式集體主義集權及尊卑制度與父權綁架尊嚴的批判性分析揭示了文化、性別與權力的深度糾纏。父權意識形態通過儒家倫理與集體化心理馴化加強，為對女性和下位者的控制提供道德與社會正當化，使系統性剝削得以跨代延續。

最終，這些機制——無論是心理強制、儀式化服從，還是象徵性貨幣——都凸顯了理解東亞社會階層的重要性：它們不僅是結構性的，也被深度內化，塑造行為與主觀經驗。

6.Conclusion

The research demonstrates that East Asian social structures systematically exploit Conditional Dignity, Hierarchical Control Mechanisms, Collectivist Centralization, Confucian Poison, Psychological Caste-like Exploitation, Hierarchical Patriarchy, and Mianzi Currency to maintain elite dominance. Subordinates’ social value, dignity, and access to resources are constantly mediated by ritualized performance, obedience, and recognition, leaving little room for autonomy or dissent.

The implications are twofold: first, these dynamics demonstrate the psychological and cultural depth of systemic inequality in East Asia; second, they provide a framework for analyzing gendered, hierarchical, and intergenerational exploitation. Recognizing these mechanisms is essential for developing interventions, policies, and cultural critiques aimed at protecting dignity, autonomy, and human rights in contexts historically shaped by these forces.

研究表明，東亞社會結構系統性利用有條件的尊嚴、控制機制下的階級制度、集體主義集權、儒毒、心理上的種姓式剝削、尊卑制度與父權綁架尊嚴及面子貨幣，以維持精英統治。下位者的社會價值、尊嚴與資源獲取權利被儀式化表現、服從與認可不斷調節，使其幾乎無自主空間或反抗能力。

其影響有二：第一，這些動態顯示東亞系統性不平等的心理與文化深度；第二，它們提供了一個分析性別化、階層化及跨代剝削的框架。認識這些機制對於制定保護尊嚴、自主權及人權的干預、政策與文化批判至關重要，尤其是在這些力量長期塑造的社會背景下。

7. Reference Bibliography

1 Patriarchy in East Asia: A Comparative Sociology of Gender by Kaku Sechiyama (Brill, 2011) —

2.Confucian Constitutionalism: Dignity, Rights, and Democracy by Zachary H. R. Wood & Thomas F. P.h.D. (Oxford University Press, 2019)

3 Human Dignity, Human Rights, and Cultural Change in Asia edited by Jimmy Chia‑Shin Hsu (Cambridge University Press, 2022)

4.Chinese Marriages in Transition by Xiaoling Shu & Jingjing Chen (Rutgers University Press, 2023

Copyright

© 2025 Jules Vela. All rights reserved.

This work, including all original concepts, definitions, frameworks, analyses, case studies, and interpretations contained herein, is the exclusive intellectual property of Jules Vela. Portions of this work are excerpts from unpublished manuscripts and books by the author. The publication of this paper on SSRN is strictly for archival, academic record-keeping, and personal dissemination purposes only, and does not constitute authorization for public distribution or sharing.

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