Institutional Options for the Settlement of Administrative Disputes in China: From the Perspective of Public Demand

Abstract

利用一个于2005年在中国28个省份进行的综合社会调查数据（CGSS2005），对 中国行政纠纷的分布以及中国公民如何有针对性地进行纠纷解决的制度选择进行定量 经验研究。研究发现，针对行政纠纷，现阶段中国公民的法律意识并不淡漠。但现实 的制约使得一些公民采取司法程序及准司法程序之外的渠道解决此类纠纷。公民对中 国行政纠纷解决存在事实上的“双轨”制度需求，即，公民对通过（准）司法渠道和党 政渠道解决纠纷有同等程度的需求。此外，不同社会群体对行政纠纷解决渠道的选择 偏好也呈现多元性。基于经验研究，对当前的相关研究进行理论和方法论的反思，并 呼吁理论研究和制度建设做到真正了解并尊重公民的意愿。 关键词: 行政纠纷 法治 制度供给 制度需求 公民需求 On the basis of data obtained from a comprehensive social survey across twenty‐ eight provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in 2005 (CGSS2005), we have conducted quantitative empirical research on the distribution of administrative disputes and Chinese citizens’ purposive institutional choices in dealing with such disputes. Our study found that where administrative disputes are concerned, today's Chinese citizens are by no means apathetic about the law. However, practical constraints mean that some of them resort to other means of dispute resolution than judicial or quasi‐judicial procedures. In actuality, a two‐track system exists in Chinese citizens’ resolution of administrative disputes; that is, they have the same level of demand for (quasi‐) judicial channels and for Party/government channels in the resolution of disputes of this kind. In addition, different social groups show a great variety of preferences in terms of choice of channels for dealing with such disputes. On the basis of empirical research we argue for further reflection on the theory and methodology of this kind of research today and call on theoretical research and institution building to show a genuine understanding of and respect for citizens’ wishes.