This book highlights the significant shifts in China's socioeconomic structure brought about by the country's first four decades of reform and opening-up. It address a number of contentious issues, including: Is the disparity in income growing or shrinking? Has there been a decrease in social mobility? What is the size of the middle class and middle-income group in China? With solid empirical evidence and rigorous analysis, contributors make the case that social policies that advance social justice and enhance people’s well-being are needed to adjudicate tensions among social classes and groups. It is of paramount importance for these policies to ensure that democracy and the rule of Law are upheld, the government is transparent, and the public’s voices are heard and they can fully participate in social governance.
Edited by:
Peilin Li
Imprint: Peter Lang Publishing Inc
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: New edition
Dimensions:
Height: 229mm,
Width: 152mm,
Weight: 466g
ISBN: 9781636678405
ISBN 10: 1636678408
Pages: 250
Publication Date: 27 April 2026
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Introduction Changes in Social Stratification and Their Influence (1978-2018) - Chapter One Development and Features of the Industrial Workforce in Modern China - Chapter Two Characteristic and Development of the Service Sector in Modern China - Chapter Three Structural Changes in Social Stratification of the Chinese Farmers - Chapter Four The Size and Mentality of Technical Professionals in Contemporary China - Chapter Five The Characteristics, Consumption and Social Attitudes of the Middle Class in Contemporary China - Chapter Six Private Business Owners and Self-Employed Individuals in Contemporary China: Mix, Attitude and Action - Chapter Seven Education and Social Stratification in Contemporary China
Li Peilin is a member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Professor of sociology, and Director of the editorial board of Sociological Studies. He is the author of Transformation of Social Structure in China: A Sociological Analysis of Economic Reform (1995), The Demise of a Village (2004), Another Invisible Hand: Transformation of Social Structure (2005), Ten Lectures on Harmonious Society (2006), Selected Essays by Li Peilin (2008), Social Transformation and the Chinese Experience (2013), Social Reform and Social Governance (2014). He is also the editor of the annual blue book Society of China: Analysis and Forecast.
