The concept of `shúrén` is a cornerstone of what sociologists call a “熟人社会” (shúrén shèhuì), or an “acquaintance society.” In traditional and even modern China, social interactions are often governed by one's relationship to the other person. There are distinct sets of rules for three main groups: 1. 自己人 (zìjǐrén) - Insiders: Family and very close, trusted friends. High trust, high obligation. 2. 熟人 (shúrén) - Acquaintances: The vast network of people you know. Moderate trust, reciprocal obligations (`人情 rénqíng`). This is where most social and business life happens. 3. 生人 (shēngrén) - Strangers: People outside your network. Low trust, no obligation. Comparison to Western “Acquaintance”: In Western cultures, an “acquaintance” is often a socially neutral term for someone you know casually, like a neighbor you wave to or a coworker in another department. The relationship typically carries very few, if any, social obligations. A Chinese `shúrén`, however, implies an existing, albeit sometimes weak, connection (`关系 guānxi`). This connection is a resource. A common phrase is “熟人好办事” (shúrén hǎo bànshì), which means “It's easier to get things done with people you know.” This is because a `shúrén` is more likely to trust you, give you a fair price, help you navigate bureaucracy, or introduce you to another useful contact. This is not seen as corruption, but as the natural and efficient way a relationship-based society functions.
The concept of `shúrén` is alive and well in everyday modern life.
The term itself is generally neutral and descriptive. It simply classifies a type of relationship.