The Rise of Chinese Civil Society and the Evolution of Governance (China Democratic Governance Case Study Series)

Author: Yu Keping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-11-01
Features: Some scholars abroad hold the view that China implemented profound economic reforms after 1978, but its political system remained largely unchanged, which is a one-sided perspective. From a political science perspective, the connotation of the political system is multifaceted. In addition to the multiparty system, separation of powers, and representative democracy of Western countries, it also includes the rule of law, administrative systems, leadership systems, electoral systems, supervision mechanisms, the relationship between the party and the government, and the relationship between the central and local governments, among others. According to these broader standards, the Chinese political system has undergone significant changes since the 1980s. Many of these changes have directly or indirectly contributed to the development of Chinese civil society. The Rise of Civil Society and the Transformation of Governance, primarily studies the folk organizations that emerged after the reform and opening-up and their impact on social and political life. It selects representative cases such as the China Youth Development Foundation, industry associations, village organizations, and community organizations to conduct a comprehensive study of the influence, functions, operational mechanisms, management methods of folk organizations, and their impact on governance. Starting from these cases, the author provides a preliminary theoretical summary of the emerging Chinese civil society and its significance for good governance. The book compellingly demonstrates, through irrefutable facts, that the rise of civil society has already and continues to exert an increasingly profound influence on all aspects of Chinese society.