Rural China in Transition: Scale and Pace of Change Since 1978

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is since more than half way past its reverse course revolution, launched in December 1978. The reform regime has adopted fresh objectives, particularly in respect of rural China, which include the active promotion of household prosperity. In the process, rural communes stand replaced by profit driven, family based economic organizations. The change process has witnessed quadrupling of the size of the Chinese economy. Much change has come about once hermetic seal on the occupational and spatial mobility of the people was let loose. The country is yet, in the transition phase. In this dissertation, the author, a well-versed China hand, has dug out, both where rural China has gained and lost grounds as a sequel to the policy changes. In the studied opinion of the author, the benefits are trickling down and permeating the lives of people with increase in their opportunities for self-actualization, such as freedom to own a business or choose what crop to grow. Increase in social mobility and access to modern means of communication has gone to expand the mental horizon of the people and add up to the growth and development. However, the gaps, both in income and opportunities of life in inter-regional and urban-rural perspectives, particularly due to the phenomenon of under-investment in the social sector, particularly in education and health, tend to outline dreadful consequences for times to come. In all this, the author has sought to answer the debate on the process and outcome of rural transformation, especially rural urbanization, which has oblique relevance in Indian context. This book will serve the requirements of both the research community and general readers.