Newborn Socialist Things: Materiality in Maoist China

The material culture of the Cultural Revolution in China paved the way for commodification in contemporary China, according to Laurence Coderre's book "Newborn Socialist Things." She examines objects such as retail counters, porcelain statuettes, textbooks, and vanity mirrors to show how the project of building socialism was intimately bound up with consumption.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2021
Publisher: Duke University Press

Contemporary China is often perceived as a realm characterized by pervasive commodification and consumerism, while the preceding Maoist Cultural Revolution is commonly regarded as a period characterized by scarcity and state criticism of even the limited consumption that was possible. Indeed, aside from the resemblance and words of Mao Zedong, both the media and material culture of the Cultural Revolution are frequently described as an empty void from which the postsocialist world of commodity consumption miraculously emerged fully formed. In her book Newborn Socialist Things, Laurence Coderre delves into the material culture of the Cultural Revolution to demonstrate how it laid the groundwork for the commodification that characterizes contemporary China. Coderre examines a wide range of objects, including retail counters, porcelain statuettes, textbooks, and vanity mirrors, to illustrate how the project of building socialism in China has always been intricately intertwined with consumption. By examining these objects, or "newborn socialist things," alongside the media environment of the Cultural Revolution, discourses of materiality, and political economy, Coderre reconfigures our understanding of the origins of present-day China.

The Cultural Revolution, which took place in China from 1966 to 1976, was a period of significant social and political upheaval that had a profound impact on the country's economy, society, and culture. One of the most notable features of the Cultural Revolution was the widespread destruction of traditional Chinese culture and values, as well as the introduction of Maoist ideology into everyday life.

During the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese government launched a campaign to eradicate "bourgeois" and "counterrevolutionary" elements from society, including art, literature, and education. This led to the closure of schools, museums, and libraries, and the persecution and execution of many artists, intellectuals, and political dissidents. The government also encouraged the production of mass-produced goods, such as bicycles and sewing machines, to meet the needs of the growing population.

However, the Cultural Revolution was also marked by widespread poverty, hunger, and social unrest. The government's policies led to a decline in agricultural production, as farmers were forced to abandon their land and work in state-owned factories. This resulted in a food shortage that affected millions of people, and many died from starvation or disease.

The Cultural Revolution also had a significant impact on China's economy. The government's policies of collectivization and industrialization led to a decline in productivity and a rise in unemployment. Many factories and businesses were closed down, and the country's infrastructure was left in ruins.

Despite the negative consequences of the Cultural Revolution, it is important to recognize that it also had some positive effects. The government's campaign to eradicate "bourgeois" and "counterrevolutionary" elements from society led to a greater awareness of social inequality and the need for social reform. The Cultural Revolution also led to the introduction of some democratic reforms, such as the legalization of private ownership of property and the expansion of civil rights.

In conclusion, the Cultural Revolution was a period of significant social and political upheaval that had a profound impact on China's economy, society, and culture. While it was marked by widespread destruction of traditional Chinese culture and values, it also led to the introduction of some democratic reforms and a greater awareness of social inequality. The Cultural Revolution is a complex and multifaceted period that requires careful analysis and understanding.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478013396