Civilising Citizens in Post-Mao China: Understanding the Rhetoric of Suzhi Contributor(s): Lin, Delia (Author) |
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ISBN: 0367172631 ISBN-13: 9780367172633 Publisher: Routledge
Binding Type: Paperback - See All Available Formats & Editions Published: January 2019 Click for more in this series: Routledge Contemporary China |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Political Science | Civics & Citizenship - Social Science | Ethnic Studies - General - Social Science | Anthropology - Cultural & Social |
Dewey: 306.209 |
Series: Routledge Contemporary China |
Physical Information: 0.43" H x 6.14" W x 9.21" L (0.64 lbs) 189 pages |
Features: Illustrated |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: Political discourse in contemporary China is intimately linked to the patriotic reverie of restoring China as a great civilisation, a dream of reformers since the beginning of the twentieth century. The concept and use of suzhi - a term that denotes the idea of cultivating a 'quality' citizenship - is central to this programme of rejuvenation, and is enjoying a revival. This book therefore offers an accessible and comprehensive analysis of suzhi, investigating the underlying cultural, philosophical and psychological foundations that propel the suzhi discourse. Using a new method to analyse Chinese governance - one that is both historical and discursive in approach - the book demonstrates how suzhi has been made into a political resource by the Chinese Communist Party-State, journeying from Confucianism to socialism. Ultimately, it asks the question: if we cannot rely on Western models of governance to explain how China is governed, what method of analysis can we use? Making use of over 200 Chinese-language primary sources, the book highlights the link between suzhi and similar discourses in post-Mao China, including those centring on notions of 'civilisation', 'harmonious society' and the 'China dream'. As the first book to provide an in-depth study of suzhi and its relevance in Chinese society, Civilising Citizens in Post-Mao China will be useful for students and scholars of Chinese studies, Chinese politics and sociology. |
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