Author Description

"This edited volume examines regional differences in social structure in rural China and elaborates the characteristics, reasons and practical implications to policymaking of this. In contrast to many existing studies, the book spotlights regional disparities that stem from the varied social compositions of villages and their social relations in rural areas of Northern, Central and Southern China. Three types of rural community structures ranging from the north to the south of China are identified, including the segmented village comprised of kinship groups, that with a high degree of atomization, and the united one resting upon patrilineage based organization. The editor draws on middle-range theory, organically combining a theoretical framework of the regional variations with empirical studies based on years of fieldwork in rural China. This approach is used throughout the book to analyze topics in four aspects: family relations, social interactions, other notable social issues and rural governance. The title will appeal to scholars and students of sociology and Chinese studies, as well as general readers interested in rural Chinese society"--