Revisiting China's Rural Urbanisation: A Pearl River Delta Region Perspective

This book examines the urbanization of rural China during the reform and opening-up period, focusing on five villages in the Pearl River Delta region. It explores the progress, problems, and future prospects of urbanization, analyzing how rural landscapes, governance models, social structures, and development dynamics have transformed into urban phenomena. The book uses data from participation observation, interviews, archival documents, questionnaires, and oral histories to chart the trajectory of urbanization and its challenges and opportunities, such as land requisition, migrant concentration, power relations, traditional lineage, and identity issues. It appeals to scholars and students of sociology and Chinese Studies, as well as general readers interested in contemporary China and Chinese urbanization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate process of urbanization in rural China during the country's reform and opening-up era. Through a detailed investigation of five villages in the Pearl River Delta region, the author offers a comprehensive analysis of the progress, challenges, and future prospects of this transformative phenomenon. Drawing on a wealth of data collected through participation observation, interviews, archival documents, questionnaires, and oral histories, the author charts the evolving trajectory of urbanization, as rural landscapes, governance models, social structures, and development dynamics have seamlessly transitioned into urban phenomena.

Motivated by external capital and pro-growth policies, each of the five villages has undergone a distinct economic, social, institutional, cultural, and demographic transformation. While these villages have embraced opportunities such as economic growth and access to modern amenities, they have also faced numerous challenges, including land requisition, residential areas with a high concentration of migrants, shifting power relations between the state and local community, the influence of traditional lineage and clan structures, and dilemmas over identity.

The book appeals to scholars and students of sociology and Chinese Studies, as well as general readers interested in contemporary China and Chinese urbanization. It provides a valuable insights into the complex dynamics shaping China's urban landscape and offers valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities as they navigate the process of urbanization.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367681906