Jiangcun Self-governance

Author: Xue He (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Village self-governance is a form of rural grassroots democratic politics with Chinese characteristics. It has begun to reveal novel social and political functions, but as a new phenomenon and a reform initiative, it faces numerous theoretical and practical challenges. These include the understanding of the importance and necessity of village self-governance, the improvement of its level, the management of relationships between self-governing organizations and the state apparatus as well as other political organizations, and the establishment of oversight mechanisms for village self-governing organizations. All these aspects require continuous research and exploration in practice to achieve standardization and refinement. This book presents the author's research on village self-governance in Jiangcun, based on a case study. Drawing on extensive primary data gathered during the author's "seven visits" to Jiangcun, the book provides a realistic account of village self-governance amid the economic and social transformations of the village. While affirming the "reform" and "leapfrog" aspects of the rural grassroots democratic system, it also reveals several contradictions and issues in the current practice of village self-governance in a profound manner. Using sociology as the basic analytical framework and incorporating relevant theories from economics and political science, the book explores institutional conflicts and integration, conducts theoretical analysis, and proposes and elaborates on a policy framework of "gradualism, diversity, openness, and standardization." Additionally, it offers ten recommendations for revising the current laws.