Contemporary Urban China

Abstract

This book provides detailed insight into the psychology of modern Chinese society and its implications for social actors’ socio-political agency and efficacy. Perceptions of social mobility and cohesion are at the heart of a sociological typology that is a direct reflection of China’s unique path towards modernisation. The book makes a contribution to the debate about convergence versus divergence of cultures and, ultimately, political systems. Using the example of China, it supports the argument of cultural divergence as proposed by Shmuel Eisenstadt’s notion of ‘multiple modernities’. It mainly builds on a qualitative interview study conducted in Peking, Xi’an and Wenzhou, whose key findings are discussed in the light of findings from national surveys. The book is aimed at political and social scientists who are interested in modernisation theory and at sinologists who are interested in contemporary Chinese society.