Aspirational Chinese in Competitive Social Repositionings: A Re-Analysis of Societal Dynamics from 1964 to 2000

This book examines how ordinary people in China have reacted to and influenced social transformations from 1964 to 2000, focusing on competitive social repositioning and the zig-zag patterns of change. It highlights the need to understand how aspirational citizens have responded to changing distributions of social resources and structure.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 08 August 2023
Publisher: Anthem Press

Over the past four or so decades, a substantial amount of research efforts has been dedicated to examining the rapid and continuous social transformations in China. However, the majority of the literature has primarily focused on either macro- or micro-level issues, neglecting to adequately analyze how the majority of ordinary people have reacted to and influenced these changes. This inadequacy has hindered our understanding of Chinese society, its dynamics, and the evolving trends. By adopting a novel perspective of competitive social repositioning and drawing upon evidence from numerous recent publications and interview data, this book aims to re-examine the ever-changing but under-researched societal dynamics driving social transformations in China from 1964, when the communist heir narrative was rebranded and utilized, to 2000, when Jiang Zemin formulated the Three-Represents theory to modify the ideological political thinking of China's ruling elites.

This analysis centers on exploring how a significant proportion of aspirational citizens have continually repositioned themselves within China's evolving distributions of social resources and social structure. It delves into how their attitudes and behaviors have evolved over time, identifying the distinct characteristics of their choices at different stages and the resulting zig-zag patterns of China's recent social change.

The book aims to shed light on the complex interplay between individual aspirations, societal dynamics, and political ideologies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the forces that have shaped China's social landscape over the past four decades. By examining the experiences and responses of ordinary citizens, the book seeks to contribute to a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of China's social transformations and their implications for the country's future.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839982880