As China becomes more powerful—economically, politically, and militarily—and interaction between the Chinese and people outside China becomes more frequent, it becomes more and more important that we understand the social factors which influence the daily lives of China's population. This new introductory text book is suitable for all students taking a course on Chinese society. It presents students with both historical and contemporary contexts and references the latest available scholarship. With chapters covering all key aspects of life in China, including religion, social policy and welfare, the history and impact of the Chinese Communist Party, familial relationships, ethnicity, gender, the media and the education system, this text gives the reader a user-friendly and comprehensive introduction to the most important issues affecting Chinese society today. It also includes handy pedagogical features such as a chronology of the People's Republic of China, further reading suggestions, and related novels, films and autobiographies. Armed with such a book, readers will not only gain a deeper understanding of Chinese society, but a rewarding appreciation for the people, cultures, and social organizations of the world’s most populous country. Written by a team of internationally renowned contributors from the UK, China, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong, Understanding Chinese Society is suitable for anyone studying Chinese Society, Chinese Studies and Asian sociology.
