The Implementation of Bao-jia System and Rural Order in the Second Half of the 11th Century

Abstract

The Bao-jia System was implemented in 1070. It was Zhao Zi-ji's proposal that was a decisive opportunity for the introduction of the Bao-jia System as part of the New Policy. Zhao Zi-ji's suggestion was adopted as it is. The Bao-jia System consisted of several upper and lower organizations. The heads of each unit were appointed by the influential people of the village. The Bao-jia System soon expanded across the country. The spread of the Bao-jia system had significant regional variations. The general direction of spread was North China first, followed by other regions. The Bao-jia System was first introduced as an autonomous police organization and soon transformed into a military organization. The Bao-jia System caused a lot of burdens on farmers' lives. The Bao-jia system never had an aspect of reducing the burden on farmers or protecting farmers.