From Village Commons to Public Goods: Graduated Provision in Urbanizing China

This book explores the transition from village commons to public goods in China's urbanization, focusing on three urbanized villages in Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Xian. It examines how graduated provision, a combination of teleological ideology of urbanization and neoliberalism with Chinese characteristics, has been used to address the challenges of providing equal access to public goods in recently urbanized communities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

This captivating book delves into the intricate dynamics of China's uneven urbanization, shedding light on the transformative journey from village commons to public goods. Set in three urbanized villages in Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Xian, these communities have undergone remarkable demographic explosions and witnessed dramatic transformations in their landscapes, livelihoods, and power structures.

Graduated provision emerges as a powerful response to the challenges of ensuring equal access to public goods in rapidly urbanizing communities. It is a multifaceted approach that blends the teleological ideology of urbanization with neoliberal principles, tailored to the unique context of China. By implementing graduated provision, policymakers aim to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, providing essential welfare provisions, public parks, education, and senior care to all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

The book explores the historical roots and evolution of graduated provision in China, tracing its roots back to the era of rapid industrialization and the government's efforts to address urban inequality. It examines how the provision of public goods has become a means to promote social mobility, economic development, and the overall well-being of communities.

Through vivid anecdotes and detailed case studies, the book showcases the successes and challenges of graduated provision in different urban contexts. It highlights the importance of community participation, governance structures, and the need for sustainable development in ensuring the long-term viability of public goods.

Furthermore, the book raises important questions about the role of the state, private sector, and civil society in the provision of public goods. It explores the potential conflicts and trade-offs between different stakeholders and examines the ways in which these challenges can be addressed to create more inclusive and equitable urban environments.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of China's uneven urbanization, providing valuable insights into the transition from village commons to public goods. It sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by policymakers, communities, and individuals as China continues to urbanize. By promoting graduated provision and fostering inclusive urban development, China can strive towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for all its citizens.

Introduction:
China's rapid urbanization has brought about significant changes in the country's social, economic, and political landscape. The transition from village commons to public goods has been a crucial part of this process, as it has sought to address the challenges of providing essential services to a rapidly growing population. In this book, we will explore the complex processes of China's uneven urbanization through the lens of the transition from village commons to public goods.

The Transition from Village Commons to Public Goods:
The transition from village commons to public goods in China has been a gradual process that has taken place over several centuries. In the past, communities were organized around shared resources, such as land, water, and forests, which were managed by local authorities. However, with the onset of industrialization and the rise of capitalism, these resources became increasingly privatized, leading to the emergence of market-based systems of resource allocation.

As China's urbanization accelerated in the 20th century, the government recognized the need to provide public goods to its rapidly growing urban population. This led to the implementation of various policies and initiatives aimed at promoting the provision of public goods, such as education, healthcare, and transportation. However, the implementation of these policies was often met with resistance from local authorities and private sector actors, who saw it as a threat to their interests.

Graduated Provision:
Graduated provision is a policy approach that emerged as a response to the challenges of providing public goods in rapidly urbanizing communities. It is based on the idea that public goods should be provided in a way that is accessible to all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Graduated provision involves the gradual provision of public goods to communities as they become more urbanized, with the level of provision increasing as the community's income and infrastructure improve.

One of the key features of graduated provision is its emphasis on community participation and governance. Communities are involved in the planning and implementation of public goods projects, ensuring that they are tailored to their specific needs and priorities. This approach has helped to build trust and legitimacy among residents, as they feel that they have a say in the development of their communities.

Graduated provision has been employed in various urban contexts in China, including Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Xian. These communities have experienced similar demographic explosions and dramatic changes to their landscapes, livelihoods, and power structures. The provision of public goods has played a crucial role in addressing the challenges of urbanization, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.

Successes and Challenges:
Graduated provision has achieved significant successes in providing public goods to urban communities in China. For example, the provision of education has helped to improve the literacy rates and educational attainment of residents, leading to increased social mobility and economic opportunities. The provision of healthcare has also helped to reduce the incidence of diseases and improve the overall health of residents.

However, graduated provision also faces several challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of funding and resources for public goods projects. Many public goods projects are funded by the government, which can be a significant burden on local authorities. Additionally, private sector actors often compete with the government for resources, leading to tensions and conflicts.

Another challenge is the need for sustainable development in the provision of public goods. As communities become more urbanized, they often face environmental challenges, such as air pollution, water pollution, and waste management. Graduated provision requires a holistic approach that considers the environmental and social impacts of public goods projects.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, China's uneven urbanization has been a complex and challenging process that has been shaped by the transition from village commons to public goods. Graduated provision has emerged as a powerful policy approach that seeks to ensure equal access to public goods for all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status. While graduated provision has achieved significant successes, it also faces several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its long-term viability. By promoting community participation, governance structures, and sustainable development, China can strive towards creating more inclusive and equitable urban environments for all its citizens.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800739000