Chinese Journal of Sociology

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Understanding the Inequality in China

  

  1. Xie Yu, Department of Sociology,University of Michigan
  • Online:2010-05-25 Published:2010-05-25
  • Contact: E-mail: yuxie@isr.umich.edu

Abstract:

Abstract: Drawing on past research, the author has advocated the following propositions: (1) the inequality in China has been severely impacted by some collective mechanisms, such as regions and work units; (2) traditional Chinese political ideology has promoted meritbased inequality, with merit being perceived as functional in improving the collective welfare for the masses; and (3) many Chinese people today regard inequality as an inevitable consequence of economic development. Thus, it seems unlikely that social inequality alone would lead to political and social unrest in today’s China.

Key words: attitude/ideology , China  ,  economic development  ,  inequality