| ID | 083866 |
| Title Proper | Power to the People? Villagers' self-rule in a North China village from the locals' point of view |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Hu, Zongze |
| Publication | 2008. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | 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. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Contemporary China Vol. 17, No.57; Nov 2008: p 611-631 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Contemporary China Vol. 17, No.57; Nov 2008: p 611-631 |
| Key Words | China ; Villagers ; Self Rules |