Walk out of difficulties (Marxism and Chinese Modernization)

Author: Yin Baoyun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: The title of this book is "Breaking Out of the Predicament," which has two meanings: one is to break out of the theoretical predicament, and the other is to break out of the practical predicament, thereby gaining a new understanding of both theory and reality. The process of modernization is one of continuously creating and resolving contradictions, or in other words, one of continuously falling into and breaking out of predicaments. Under the correct guidance of the policy of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, China has broken out of the predicaments of dogmatism and the planned economy model, achieving remarkable accomplishments in just over two decades. However, the task of reform and opening up in China remains arduous, and outdated concepts, ideas, systems, and habits that do not align with the times or further development needs still exist in every corner of society. The current issues in China, such as distribution, corruption, urban-rural disparities, and wealth gaps, are fundamentally the result of incomplete elimination of outdated ideological and institutional factors, a consequence of insufficient modernization. Therefore, to smoothly address these problems and establish a harmonious modern society, we must continue to adhere to the principles of emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts, and deeply advance the transformation of ideological and institutional structures. Based on this understanding, this book explores some issues in Marxist theory and China's modernization practice:
Part 1 includes three chapters, reflecting on the theoretical development of Marxist schools.
Chapter 1 examines Marx's general understanding of modernization and modernity. This chapter compares Marx's view of modernization with that of Enlightenment scholars, analyzing both the similarities and differences between them, as well as the unity of instrumental rationality and value rationality in Marx's thought and its manifestations in practice.
Chapter 2 explores the origin of the concept of "dependency." Currently, there has been extensive discussion and research on radical dependency theory within domestic academia, but studies on its origins are relatively lacking. The author focuses on the ideas of modernization for backward countries from Marx to Lenin, pointing out both the reasonable aspects and limitations of these ideas, which provide valuable reference for us to approach classic thought with a scientific attitude.
Chapter 3 conducts an in-depth study of Immanuel Wallerstein's theoretical exploration to integrate Marxism and liberalism, thereby transcending the left-right divide. The author particularly analyzes the reasons behind Wallerstein's theoretical predicament, which is expected to offer readers fresh insights and inspiration. The purpose of these three chapters is not to provide a systematic review of modernization theories in Marxist schools, but to reveal some prominent theoretical challenges they encountered in exploring the laws of modernization. The existence of these theoretical difficulties suggests that we must approach classic Marxist thought and various new Marxist theories with a scientific attitude, abandoning blind faith and adherence, in order to find a path for ideological development and theoretical innovation.
Part 2 focuses on empirical research, examining some widely discussed issues in China's modernization process.
Chapter 4 offers a new analysis of the origin and development of radicalism in China's modernization process. The author reveals the traditional and modern roots of radicalism, pointing out that only by continuing reform and opening up and deeply advancing the modernization process can we ultimately eradicate the soil that breeds radicalism.
Chapter 5 addresses another persistent problem in China's traditional values and institutional structures—the inability to tolerate individual interests and the development of the private economy. Through a study of the tortuous growth of private enterprises since the reform and opening up, the author highlights that the development of the private economy has its natural driving force, independent of individual will. Recognizing this pattern, the Party has continuously adjusted policies and adapted to this process since the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee.
Chapter 6 offers new reflections on issues in the process of political democratization, which has attracted widespread attention. Through a case study of a township, the author reveals the bureaucratic processes that contradict the democratization movement of "village self-governance" and reminds people to be aware of the potential for reverse movements in the modernization process.
Chapters 7 and 8 share the same theme—the reconstruction of moral norms in the modernization process. The former analyzes various educational and institutional reasons behind China's current moral decline, while the latter explores the historical and current development of China's transition from traditional interpersonal trust to modern interpersonal trust.
This book is the research outcome of the project "Marxism and Chinese Modernization," approved by the Ministry of Education during the "Tenth Five-Year Plan" period. The project was led by Professor Yin Baoyun of the Institute of Social Development at Peking University. The main contributors to the writing are young scholars with innovative knowledge structures and theoretical frameworks, strong foreign language skills, an objective attitude toward seeking truth, and a passion for academic innovation, making them well-suited for interdisciplinary research in modernization. It is hoped that this book will offer readers valuable insights.
The authors of the chapters are as follows: Yin Baoyun (Chapter 1), Gao Xingsong (Chapter 2), An Ran (Chapter 3), Wang Wencai (Chapter 4), Dong Xiangrong (Chapter 5), Liu Li (Chapter 6), Yang Hua (Chapter 7), and Chen Huashan (Chapter 8). The entire book was edited and finalized by Yin Baoyun. Professors Yi Jie-xiong of Peking University, Xue Han-wei of Peking University, and Mao Shou-long of Renmin University of China reviewed the manuscript. Many of their valuable suggestions were adopted during the revision process. The successful publication of this book is thanks to the People's Public Security University Press's emphasis on academic works. Special thanks are expressed to these organizations and individuals for their support!