Living with the Party: How Leisure Shaped a New China

This book explores the subcultures, cultural trends, and regulations of leisure and subcultures among young people in Beijing from 1949 to the 1980s, arguing that the CCP aimed to direct the most private sphere in peoples' everyday life through organized leisure activities, rather than coercive means. It suggests that elements of youth subcultures can be observed throughout the Mao era, but should not be treated as a way of passive resistance. Instead, they should be positioned between different layers of the Partys leisure regulation to examine what the CCP actually achieved.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 19 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of subcultures, cultural trends, and regulations surrounding leisure and subcultures among young people in Beijing from 1949 to the 1980s. It challenges our preconceived notions of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) successes, presenting a nuanced and multifaceted perspective. Rather than a mere victory over society or defeat, the CCP's achievements can be best described as a synergy or synthesis, intricately woven with the fabric of everyday life.

The book argues that while the CCP aimed to exert control over the most private sphere of people's lives, specifically leisure, it did not resort to coercive means. Instead, it employed appealing strategies through organized leisure activities. By examining the interplay between these subcultures and the various layers of the Party's leisure regulation, the book sheds light on the CCP's actual accomplishments.

It is important to note that many individuals who engaged in subcultures defied the overt politicization of their leisure. Some may have resisted collectivization, while others challenged the process of institutionalization. However, it is noteworthy that few individuals outright rejected the notion of state intervention in their pursuit of pleasure. This book suggests that we should view the Deng Xiaoping era not as a breakaway from Maoist interventionist rule but rather as a continuation of the Party's uninterrupted policy of leisure regulation.

Thought-provoking and occasionally humorous, this book appeals to a wide range of scholars, including sinologists, historians, and those interested in the study of China's social forms. It offers a fresh perspective on a pivotal period in Chinese history, providing valuable insights into the complexities of youth culture, political dynamics, and the enduring influence of the CCP on society.

Weight: 503g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789819902071
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023