Minjian: The Rise of China's Grassroots Intellectuals

The book "Minjian: The Rise of Grassroots Intellectuals in Contemporary China" explores the emergence of a new type of grassroots intellectual in China, who derive legitimacy from their work with the vulnerable and marginalized and often proclaim their independence with anti-elitist rhetoric. These intellectuals work outside academia or policy institutions in an embryonic public sphere, focusing on concrete problems among disenfranchised populations such as victims of Maoism, migrant workers, and petitioners. The book is a groundbreaking transdisciplinary exploration of crucial trends developing under the surface of contemporary Chinese society.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 23 April 2019
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The emergence of a new breed of grassroots intellectuals in China has been a significant development in the country's intellectual landscape. Following the crackdown on the 1989 democracy movement and the rapid marketization of the 1990s, these intellectuals have emerged as a powerful force in shaping public culture. Unlike their predecessors, who often sought legitimacy through traditional roles such as the literati or pronouncements on democracy and modernity, these grassroots thinkers derive their authority from their work with vulnerable and marginalized communities. They proudly identify as minjian, meaning unofficial, unaffiliated, and among the people.

In his book, "Minjian: An Intellectual History of Contemporary China," Sebastian Veg delves into the rise of these minjian intellectuals and their profound impact on China's public culture. The book serves as an intellectual history of contemporary China, documenting how grassroots thinker-activists began to operate outside academia or policy institutions in an embryonic public sphere. Veg explores the work of amateur historians who challenge official accounts, independent documentarians who give ordinary people a voice, and grassroots lawyers and NGO workers who disseminate practical knowledge. Their interventions are tailored to specific problems faced by disenfranchised populations, such as victims of Maoism, migrant workers, and others without residence permits.

What sets this book apart is its transdisciplinary approach, drawing on careful analysis of public texts by grassroots intellectuals and the networks and publics among which they circulate. Veg sheds light on the complex dynamics and tensions within contemporary Chinese society, highlighting the ways in which grassroots intellectuals are navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the country's rapid social and economic changes.

Through its exploration of the work of grassroots intellectuals, "Minjian" offers a groundbreaking perspective on crucial trends developing under the surface of contemporary Chinese society. It challenges the notion of a monolithic and homogeneous Chinese public, highlighting the diversity and complexity of the country's social and political landscape. The book also sheds light on the role of grassroots intellectuals in shaping public discourse and policy, highlighting their ability to mobilize communities and advocate for their rights.

In conclusion, the emergence of the minjian intellectuals in China has been a significant development in the country's intellectual landscape. Their work with vulnerable and marginalized communities, their anti-elitist rhetoric, and their transdisciplinary approach have made them a powerful force in shaping public culture. Through their interventions, they have challenged official accounts, given ordinary people a voice, and advocated for their rights. "Minjian: An Intellectual History of Contemporary China" is a groundbreaking exploration of these grassroots thinkers and their contributions to China's public culture.

Weight: 696g
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231191401