Power to the People? Villagers' self-rule in a North China village from the locals' point of view

Author: Hu, Zongze

Source: Journal of Contemporary China, Volume 17, Number 57, November 2008 , pp. 611-631(21)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content

Abstract:

This article examines ethnographically the implementation of the Organic Law and practice of 'villagers' self-rule' in a North China village from 2003 to 2004. Based on in-depth interviews and participant observation, it recounts the election of a villagers' committee and the functioning of a 'democratic supervisory small group'. It shows that critical disparities exist between what Chinese policymakers and many scholars argue for on the one hand (for instance, enhancing cadre accountability, empowering ordinary villagers, and promoting grassroots democracy), and how most villagers view the actual practices on the other. It concludes that the locals' negative views are not idiosyncratic, the vision of 'rule by the people' remains difficult to take root, and that local metaphors are resourcefully used to make sense of newly-introduced practices.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/10670560802253287

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$30.49 plus tax

 

OR

Back to top

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content
Page Help Click here for Page Help
Shopping cart
Tools
Sign in






Need to register?
Sign up here
Text size: A | A | A | A