Publication |
2008.
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Summary/Abstract |
The newly emerging middle-income stratum represents China's economic and academic elite. Civic attributes and the role the middle class plays in the process of social transformation in China have remained overlooked. This study examines the consciousness of self-identity and social affairs of this middle stratum. Surveys are drawn from two cities in China, Beijing and Shanghai. The result reveals that the majority of respondents are uncertain about their identity of being in the middle-income stratum. However, research shows that while this group shares many social traits in common-a high level of educational attainment and professional skills, and a strong interest in social and public affairs-there has been no sign that this group will function as a social group yet. Social behaviors of the middle-income stratum demonstrate strong individual endeavors rather than coordinated efforts of this newly emerging social group
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