Petition Against the Police: Conflicts Between Police and Civilians in China, 2003-2012

This book explores the petition (信访) system in China, a political participation method for the bottom and a supervision tool for the higher-level government. Fieldwork reveals a changed petition logic, leading to a dilemma of reduced costs but narrowed rights safeguarding. It offers insights into police and petition, political sociology, and organizational sociology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 189 pages
Publication date: 23 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realm of the petition (信访), a unique political system with profound Chinese roots. It serves as a vital channel for marginalized individuals to express their grievances and hold officials accountable at the grassroots level, thereby facilitating effective supervision from higher-level governments. Through meticulous half-year fieldwork conducted by the author within the Public Security Bureau, a startling revelation emerges: the operational logic of the petition has undergone a significant shift, leading to a perplexing dilemma. On the one hand, the cost of petitioning has decreased, making it more accessible to the masses. However, on the other hand, the avenues for safeguarding rights have become increasingly narrow, creating a challenging environment for those who have genuinely suffered injustices. In essence, the change in petition logic has resulted in a paradoxical situation where it has become easier to lodge complaints, yet success in obtaining redress for the wronged remains elusive.

This book, rooted in the grassroots of China's legal system, offers invaluable insights for scholars and enthusiasts interested in exploring the dynamics of police, petitions, political sociology, and organizational sociology. It sheds light on the complex interplay between power, authority, and social structures, providing a rich tapestry of knowledge that contributes to our understanding of contemporary China.

By examining the petition as a political system, this book highlights its significance in empowering individuals and promoting democratic governance. It explores the various mechanisms and processes through which petitions are initiated, processed, and responded to, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities faced by petitioners and the government alike. The book also examines the role of social media and other digital platforms in amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals and facilitating the spread of petitions, highlighting the transformative power of technology in shaping political discourse.

Furthermore, this book delves into the broader societal implications of the petition system. It explores how petitions can influence public opinion, shape policy decisions, and promote social change. It examines the ways in which the government responds to petitions, analyzing the factors that determine whether complaints are addressed and the outcomes of such responses. The book also explores the impact of petitions on the relationship between the government and the public, analyzing the ways in which petitions can strengthen or weaken trust between the two parties.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Chinese politics, society, and governance. It offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the petition system, providing valuable insights into the power dynamics, challenges, and opportunities faced by individuals and institutions in contemporary China.

Weight: 293g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811902703
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022