Becoming Activists in Global China: Social Movements in the Chinese Diaspora

Becoming Activists in Global China is the first sociological study of Falun Gong and its resistance to the Chinese state. It explains why the Falun Gong protest took off in the diaspora and the democracy movement did not, by examining the movement's roots in proselytizing and volunteerism and how the policy goal of eliminating Falun Gong helped shape today's security-focused Chinese state.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Becoming Activists in Global China is a groundbreaking sociological study that delves into the intricate world of the religious movement Falun Gong and its remarkable resistance against the Chinese state. While the literature on Chinese protest has extensively explored the 1989 democracy movement, it has largely overlooked the significant opposition faced by Falun Gong. Despite its enduring presence, Falun Gong has been largely ignored in the broader narrative of Chinese resistance. This comparative study aims to shed light on the reasons behind the Falun Gong protest's explosive growth in the diaspora, while the democracy movement failed to achieve similar success.

Through a comprehensive analysis, Becoming Activists in Global China unravels the underlying factors that propelled Falun Gong's political mobilization. The study highlights the movement's roots in proselytizing and its unwavering commitment to volunteerism, which served as the foundation for its collective action. At the same time, diaspora democracy activists adopted practices that effectively discouraged grassroots participation, hindering the growth of their movement.

Furthermore, the study delves into the impact of the Chinese government's policy goal of eliminating Falun Gong on the country's security-focused state. It explores how the government's relentless persecution of Falun Gong has shaped the country's political landscape and contributed to the suppression of dissenting voices. By examining Falun Gong's two decades of protest, the study provides a valuable insight into a suppressed chapter of Chinese contemporary history, shedding light on the complex interplay between religious and political movements.

In conclusion, Becoming Activists in Global China is a seminal work that contributes significantly to our understanding of the dynamics of religious and political resistance in China. Through its comparative analysis, the study offers valuable insights into the factors that propelled Falun Gong's protest and the challenges faced by diaspora democracy activists. It sheds light on the suppressed piece of Chinese contemporary history and advances our knowledge of how religious and political movements intersect in the modern world.

ISBN-13: 9781108716017
Edition number: New ed