| ID | 140476 |
| Title Proper | State power and village cadres in contemporary China |
| Other Title Information | the case of rural land transfer in Shandong province |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Chen, Huirong |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | In the case of land transfer in rural China, why do some village cadres act as entrepreneurs, some become middlemen between agribusinesses and peasants, and others choose to be passive bystanders? Based on comparative case studies in Shandong province, it is argued that state power, rather than village elections, informal solidary groups and economic benefits, is the dominant explanatory mechanism. This article suggests that our discussion of the state–village cadre relationship should not be limited to the control perspective. To achieve policy objectives, village cadres' ability and creativity are as important as motivation to local government. Substantial support makes village cadres more capable, and some degree of leeway is necessary for creativity. Local government relies on three forms of leverage (control, support and non-intervention) to address three issues (motivation, ability and creativity) in shaping behavioral patterns of village cadres. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Contemporary China Vol. 24, No.95; Sep 2015: p.778-797 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Contemporary China Vol: 24 No 95 |
| Key Words | Local Government ; State Power ; Village Elections ; Contemporary China ; Shandong Province ; Village Cadres ; Rural Land Transfer ; State – Village Cadre Relationship |