The purpose of this thesis is to identify how the Chinese Economic Revolution has caused economic and social gaps between the poor and the rich. Nowadays, unfortunately, many Chinese still live in poverty, considering that China has overpopulation with 1.369’811.000 citizens. The phenomenon of overpopulation has led to the creation of the “One Child Policy”, which has consequences: aging population, abortions; thus violation of human rights.
There is the need to inquire deeply into the history of China, its beliefs, its dynasties, and its government. Thereby, it is easier to determine the main reasons and consequences of their economic revolution. The People's Republic of China or the "Middle Kingdom", founded in 1954, shows its Sino-centrism throughout its political, economic and social history. On the other hand, the Communist Party of China, with Xi Jinping as president, is the essence for the orientation of the interests of the Chinese, for the development of China’s productivity, and for the starting point that the government uses to make national and international decisions.
Mao Tse Tung and Deng Xiaoping were the promoters of the transformation of China. Mao Tse Tung based mainly on the socialist industrialization and socialist agricultural changes; however, those events were the reason of millions of deaths in China and the worst famine of the world. Deng Xiaoping followed the development process of Maoism, but he did it whit his own ideals, such as: application of economic reforms, trade liberalization, implementation of productivity factors. It helped to establish an economic model of investment, saving and exports in China.
Nowadays, China’s social development faces challenges to which economic and social policies will need to answer for. A main challenge is to fight for the high inequality in incomes, consumption; and access to education, health care, jobs and social protection. In addition, China not only needs to overcome the rapid aging of the population, but also, it needs to manage growing cultural, social and economic diversity to reduce the gap between the poor and the rich and decrease the current human rights violation.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND
1.1. Overview of the People’s Republic of China
1.1.1 Population and Geography
1.1.2 History
1.1.3 Government:
1.1.4 China’s Currency
1.1.5 People
1.1.6 Beliefs and religion
1.1.7 Language
1.1.8 Art and culture
1.2. Global vision of the economic and social situation in China
1.2.1 Viewpoint of the United States of America: world power
1.2.2 Viewpoint of the European Union
1.2.3 Viewpoint of South America countries
1.2.4 Chinese opinion of their own situation
3. CHAPTER 2: MAOISM AND ITS INFLUENCE IN THE ECONOMY OF CHINA (1949-1978)
2.1. History of Maoism period
2.1.1 Who was Mao Tse Tung?
2.1.2 Mao political ideology and its implementation in the CPC
4. CHAPTER 3: CHINESE ECONOMIC BOOM WITH DENG XIAOPING (1979-2013)
3.1. Deng Xiaoping
3.2 Economy Reform in 1978
3.3. Legacies of the economic evolution of China
3.3.1 Advantages
3.3.2 Disadvantages
5. CHAPTER 4: CHALLENGES OF CHINA
4.1 Poverty and wealth in China
4.2. Economic Reform vs. Social Inequality
4.3. Social Gaps of China
4.3.1 Unequal access to education
4.3.2 Unequal distribution of government expenditures
4.3.3 Hukou System Restrictions
4.3.4 Land Policy
4.3.5 Workers rights
4.4 Human Rights Violation
4.5. Economic reform plans announced by the Chinese Government.
4.5.1 Policy implications to reduce disparities
6. CHAPTER 5: FUTURE OF CHINA
5.1. Chinese Economic Projections
5.2. Prediction of Rural-Urban situations up to 2030
5.3 Possible solutions to decrease the latent social gap in the Republic of China
Objectives & Topics
This thesis investigates the Chinese economic evolution from 1949 to 2013, focusing on how radical policy shifts have driven economic growth while simultaneously creating significant social and economic disparities. The research analyzes the transition from the Maoist era to the market-oriented reforms under Deng Xiaoping and examines the resulting social consequences for the Chinese population, including inequality, poverty, and human rights concerns.
- The historical impact of Maoism on China's economy and social structure.
- The role of Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms in transforming China into a global power.
- Social consequences of rapid growth, including the Hukou System and wealth inequality.
- The interplay between governmental policies, economic development, and human rights.
- Future projections for China regarding demographics, urbanization, and poverty reduction.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1.1 Population and Geography
The People’s Republic of China has the largest population in the world ahead of India. According to the World Bank Statistics, China population is 1.369’811.000, which became the 19,54% of the world population by the end of 2013. Unfortunately, many of Chinese remain in poverty.
Chinese population has a life expectancy of 71 years. There is an imbalance between boys and girls. The Chinese prefer boys’ births because part of the population thinks that only men can support a family. Furthermore, the cost of raising a daughter is even bigger because of her marriage, time when girls leave their families. That is why some Chinese use a known proverb: “Raising a daughter is like watering your neighbor’s garden”. There is a big imbalance between male-female sex ratio. The ratio is 118 men to 100 women across the country. This problem has provoked a “marriage squeeze” because nowadays 30 million men do not think on marriage. Therefore, prostitution, female trafficking and women missing have increased. (Kerr, 2014)
In terms of science and technology, both of them are considered essential elements that lead us see in a blink of eyes the Chinese overwhelmed growth. China has not only the world’s longest high-speed rail network with 9.676km, but also expressways with 85.000 km. Bachelor degrees in sciences are graduated than any other country; and renewable energy technology locates to China as the largest investor worldwide. However, around 900 million Chinese work for 20 cents per hour under deplorable conditions. (Kerr, 2014)
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND: This chapter provides an essential overview of China's geography, history, government structure, and its diverse population and cultural beliefs, setting the foundation for understanding its economic development.
CHAPTER 2: MAOISM AND ITS INFLUENCE IN THE ECONOMY OF CHINA (1949-1978): This section explores the historical period of Maoism, analyzing the ideology and governmental policies that defined the early years of the People's Republic of China.
CHAPTER 3: CHINESE ECONOMIC BOOM WITH DENG XIAOPING (1979-2013): This chapter details the economic transformation led by Deng Xiaoping, examining specific reforms and strategies that shifted China toward a market-oriented economy.
CHAPTER 4: CHALLENGES OF CHINA: This section investigates the critical social issues arising from rapid economic growth, including systemic poverty, social inequality, and human rights concerns.
CHAPTER 5: FUTURE OF CHINA: The final chapter presents economic projections and potential strategies for China to balance future growth with social inclusion and long-term sustainability.
Keywords
Chinese Economic Revolution, Maoism, Deng Xiaoping, Economic Reform, Hukou System, Social Inequality, Poverty Reduction, Industrialization, Communist Party of China, Human Rights, Urbanization, Foreign Policy, Economic Growth, Labor Rights, Sustainable Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this thesis?
This work examines the social and economic progression of China between 1949 and 2013, focusing on how major political and economic shifts impacted the standard of living and created social gaps.
Which central topics are discussed in this research?
The research covers the transition from Maoist policies to Deng Xiaoping’s market reforms, the Hukou system, wealth disparity, environmental impact, and the future outlook of China's economic model.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The primary goal is to identify the root causes and consequences of the economic and social disparities created by the Chinese Economic Revolution, while exploring possible strategies to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The author utilizes a qualitative research approach, incorporating historical analysis of state policies alongside primary data collected through direct interviews with Chinese citizens across different social classes.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body systematically analyzes the background of the Chinese state, the historical eras of Maoism and the Deng Xiaoping reforms, the structural challenges facing modern China, and projections for the year 2030.
How is this work characterized by its keywords?
The work is defined by themes such as economic revolution, systemic reform, inequality, human rights, and the duality of rapid industrial progress alongside persistent social challenges.
What is the significance of the Hukou System in this study?
The Hukou system is highlighted as a critical barrier to labor mobility and social equality, directly contributing to the divide between rural and urban populations and limiting migrant access to social services.
How does the author view the "One Child Policy"?
The policy is described as a strategy that successfully limited population growth but resulted in significant humanitarian costs, gender imbalances, and future demographic challenges, such as a rapidly aging society.
What do the interviews reveal about Chinese social life?
The interviews illustrate a disparity in perspective based on economic status, revealing that while the current government is viewed as an improvement over the past, significant concerns regarding corruption, social freedom, and workload persist.
What future challenges for China does the research identify?
Key future challenges include mitigating the economic dependency on "growth at all costs," addressing the demographic transition caused by an aging population, and reducing the systemic social and economic gaps in society.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Verónica Álvarez Álvarez (Autor:in), 2013, Social and Economic Events of the Chinese Economic Revolution (1949 - 2013), München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/351206
