This paper answers questions about the society and Culture in China. 1..Rebecca MacKinnon (“Networked Authoritarianism”) challenges the view that the internet and social media will liberate Chinese citizens from government control of public discourse.

Society and Culture in China

Answer 2 of the following questions in short essays of approximately 500-750 words each. Submit to ‘Assignments’ on Quercus by or before June 27. 1..Rebecca MacKinnon (“Networked Authoritarianism”) challenges the view that the internet and social media will liberate Chinese citizens from government control of public discourse. Brady and Wang go even further and suggest that a modernized propaganda system has yielded a new persuasive form of ‘popular authoritarianism.’ Do you find these views persuasive? Why? Why not?

Society and Culture in China

Consider the interview with the “Internet Commentator” in developing your answer (Readings for June 13) 2..Ian Johnson argues (“Death and Life of China’s Civil Society”) that civil society perspectives help scholars to understand the socio-political changes underway in China. What is his argument and what evidence does he provide to support it? Does Tony Saich’s concept of “negotiating the state” help to understand how civil society matters in contemporary China? Does his article support Johnson’s argument? (Readings for June 8) 3..Martin Whyte distinguishes between ‘active’ and ‘dormant’ social volcanoes.

Society and Culture in China

What are the differences between them and how useful do you think this distinction is in analyzing the prospects for political stability in China. In answering this question, draw on Philip Pan’s account of rural protest (“The Party Boss”) and his chapter on workers (“Arise Slaves Arise”). (Readings for June 1) 4..Is China’s emerging middle class more a creation of the Chinese state than a product of China’s developing market institutions? Is it likely to lead the way in pushing for democratic reforms? What is Tomba’s view? https://youtu.be/NBVuHhCPFxE

Society and Culture in China

What is Nathan’s argument. What is yours? (Readings for June 6) 5. Dru Gladney’s positive assessment of China’s policy towards its national minorities seems contradicted in practice by more recent developments in Xinjiang and Tibet, which suggest that China’s policies have largely failed. Based on the readings posted for the June 15 module, would you agree with the statement that China’s nationality policy has failed? Disagree? Defend your view. (June 15 Readings)

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