Rural Reform in Contemporary China: Development, Efficiency, and Fairness. Issue 128 (4th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xue, Yongji; Mao, KuoRay; Weeks, Nefratiri; Xiao, Jingyi
• Is Part Of: Journal of contemporary China. Volume 30:Issue 128(2021)
• Page Start: 266
• Page End: 282
• Publication Date: 2021-03-04
• Subjects: China -- Periodicals; China -- Politics and government -- 1976- -- Periodicals; Chine -- Périodiques; Chine -- Politique et gouvernement -- 1976- -- Périodiques; 306.0951
• DOI: 10.1080/10670564.2020.1790902
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1067-0564

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article examines the contradictory outcomes of China's rural reform since 1978. It traces four periods of rural reform policies through cyclical rounds of policy implementation, structural transformations, and economic, social, and environmental outcomes. The analysis reveals that contradictory outcomes are embedded within conflicting goals framing rural reform policies, specifically goals to modernize China's rural regions and fair resource allocation among its inhabitants. In addition, the Chinese central government has repeatedly resorted to a top-down, campaign-style approach, creating conflicting objectives between short-term quota fulfillment and sustainable structural adjustment policies. The research suggests that the socio-environmental contradictions emerging from rural transformations in China must be viewed within the global political economic context that favors growth oriented, efficiency-based development strategies.