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Abstract

After thirty years of reform, China’s economic and social spheres have
been transformed beyond recognition. The new economy has created
unprecedented employment opportunities for both urban and rural
workers. The governmental structures which were put in place in the
1950s to foster social stability (such as the household registration system)
have been adapted to better fit the new conditions.1 The government’s
strategy of fostering urbanisation combined with the phenomenon of the
‘floating population’ of an estimated 200 million migrant workers has
changed the composition of towns and cities and emptied villages of
their working age populations.2 At the same time, the abandonment of
the planned economy has resulted in a widespread lay‐off of workers
from state owned enterprises. Regardless, the overall standard of living
has improved for many but the demands of home ownership,
consumerism, medical and education expenses have led to unparalleled
financial stresses for the newly formed middle classes. Problems as
diverse as divorce, prostitution, the trafficking of women and children,
the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, crime, land acquisition
disputes, obesity, corruption, pollution, and environmental degradation
have all increased.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Ross, K
Journal or Publication Title:	HECATE
ISSN:	0311-4198
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

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