| ID | 124656 |
| Title Proper | Han vs. minorities dual structure of Chinese society |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Rong, Ma |
| Publication | 2013. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | While the "rural vs urban dual structure" has been a key issue for decades since China's social reform in the 1980s, the "Han vs minorities dual structure" receives scant attention in contemporary China. In the latter, Chinese citizens are differentiated by aspects of ethnic identity, administrative units, academic disciplines, education and even in arenas like entertainment and sports. A series of preferential policies targeted at ethnic minorities has been implemented by the government, e.g., family planning, school enrolment, financial assistance, personnel promotion and even the judicature. This dual structure, based on Stalin's theory and the Soviet system, emerged after China launched the "nationality/ethnic recognition" campaign in the 1950s. Many studies have proven that this system strengthened the "nationality" consciousness of each ethnic group but may otherwise be detrimental to national unity. This article offers a historical overview of China's transition from a traditional "central kingdom of the earth" into a modern nation-state, and detailed discussions about the Communist Party of China's new ideological framework on the "nationality/ethnic question", as well as the role that the "Han vs minorities dual structure" plays in contemporary China. |
| `In' analytical Note | China: An International Journal Vol. 11, No.2; Aug 2013: p. 7-24 |
| Journal Source | China: An International Journal Vol. 11, No.2; Aug 2013: p. 7-24 |
| Key Words | Rural Vs Urban Dual Structure ; China ; Social Reform ; Ethnic Identity ; Han Vs Minorities ; Nationality |