Rational Choice and Institutional Implementation - A Case Study of Village Committee Elections in Rural China

Author: Hu Rong (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-12-01
Features: The challenges, resistance, and transformation of modernization are the themes of Chinese history since the late 19th century. Thus, this period of history actually has only one standard—modernization. Those who deviate from it may experience temporary prosperity, but it cannot last. This book, through a case study of the election of village committee leaders in rural China, illustrates the impact of economic development, economic systems, and structures on the implementation of election systems. The report published in Southern Weekly about a representative elected through "popular vote" being severely injured by a knife attack from political opponents in the village would undoubtedly leave us shocked—this is precisely the driving force behind this book's research. The materials presented here, which reflect the grassroots experiences with elections in rural China, hold lasting significance because they, from the perspectives of history and sociology, tell you: why China chose the path of democracy, how to walk this path, and what difficulties lie ahead before reaching the ultimate goal!