Chinese Journal of Sociology ›› 2010, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (6): 1-40.

• Articles •     Next Articles

Institutional Changes, ClassStructure Transformation, and Income Inequality in China, 1978-2005

Author1:Lin Thunghong, Institute of Sociology, Academia Sinica, Taiwan;Author2: Wu Xiaogang   

  1. Author1:Lin Thunghong, Institute of Sociology, Academia Sinica, Taiwan; Author2: Wu Xiaogang, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • Online:2010-11-24 Published:2010-11-24
  • Contact: Author1:Lin Thunghong, Institute of Sociology, Academia Sinica, Taiwan E-mail:zoo42@gate.sinica.edu.tw
  • About author:Author1:Lin Thunghong, Institute of Sociology, Academia Sinica, Taiwan; Author2: Wu Xiaogang, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • Supported by:

    Project was supported by The University Grant Committee, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (GRF644208)and Chiang Chingkuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange(CCK07/08HSS03).

Abstract:

Abstract: Combining the institutional theories and the class analysis methodology associated with NeoMarxism, this paper advocates a perspective of “bringing back the class analysis” to the social stratification research in China. According to the important institutionrelated factors such as the household registration system (hukou), the work unit system (danwei), the administrator rank system, and private ownership of the means of productionfactors that have led to the inequality in a transforming China, this paper proposes a NeoMarxist, Chinese classification model that is based on the possession of different forms of productive assets. This new classification model has already empirically demonstrated its superiority over other types of classification systems. Research has concluded that the impact of the ongoing institutional transition in China on the social order being unequally rearranged is reflected in the corresponding changes of the ownership of different productive assets like labor force, capital, organization, skills, and authority, which has brought about a class structural transition as well as the expanded gap between the rich and the poor.

Key words: social stratification ,   social class , institutional structure  ,   income inequality ,  social mobility