Openness and Blockage of Information Channels: Observing Institutional Culture from the Perspective of the Yanlu in the Song Dynasty

Abstract

Information is the basis for decision-making in all dynasties, particularly for national politics. Issues related to preventing blockages, uncovering the truth, and developing the yanlu 言路, or “channels for arising criticisms and opinions,” are always at the center of focus. In a broad sense, the yanlu refers to the institutionalized channels through which information from the lower levels reaches the upper authorities in a traditional society. In a narrow sense, it specifically denotes the pathways for officials to present messages and opinions to the emperor. This paper focuses on the Song court’s institutional ways of obtaining information and how they actually worked. Behind the various manifestations lie the intentions of the policymakers and the inherent mechanisms of the bureaucratic system. The operational realities of the institutions also reflect the prevailing institutional culture of the time.

Keywords

the Song Dynasty / information / channel / the yanlu

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Higher Education Press