Chinese Journal of Sociology ›› 2016, Vol. 36 ›› Issue (3): 167-191.

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“Neo-Agents”: A Study on Village Governance under the “Projects to Villages” Model

LI Zupei   

  1. Department of Sociology, Huazhong Agricultural University;Research Center for Rural Social Construction and Management, Huazhong Agricultural University
  • Online:2016-05-20 Published:2016-05-20
  • Supported by:

    This research was supported by the National Social Science Fund Program of China(15CSH023) and the Fundamental Research Fund Programs for the Central Universities(2662014BQ072).

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Abstract:

Projects to Villages (xiangmu jincun) is an important way for the Chinese government to distribute resources to grassroots villages and it has gained popularity in recent years. "Projects to Villages" has brought changes to the village governance body-village cadres, described in this study as "Neo-Agents." The term explains a newly emerged grassroots power base that was created by the government's "Projects to Villages" initiatives. With the intense competition for projects among villages, people with the right political and personal skills, broad networks and less vested interest in village are able to step onto the political stage and gain power. Contrary to the essential need of developing a long-term effective rural leadership, these "Neo-Agents" practice a type of short-term interest-focused governance. They do not provide a solution to the governance quandary experienced in villages since the rural taxation reform in 2002, instead, with the availability of state resources, they help further consolidate the existing village power structure. The study also compares "Neo-Agents" with traditional power agents of gentry, local elites and government officials. Four aspects of foundation of authority, mechanism of power transfer, structure of governance, and effectiveness of governance are discussed in hope to stimulate further academic and practical interest in the subject.

Key words: "Projects to Villages", rural village governance, elite alternative, "Neo-Agent"