State And Society in Contemporary CHINA

Abstract

This thesis studies the relationship between state and society in China; with focus on activism in the Post-Tiananmen period. It analyzes the role of activism as a bridge between the Chinese state and its citizens. I examine the various forms of activism in China and how they have evolved with the advent of the era of information technology. I discuss the tussle between the Chinese state and the activists; and analyze the major reasons for this conflict. The role of foreign powers in supporting activism in China is also elaborated upon. To get an in depth picture, I have studied the life and works of several prominent activists. newlineI have divided the thesis into two parts, Part A and Part B . Part A consists of two chapters which cover the historical and socio-political background of activism in contemporary China. The first chapter gives a background of political activism in China in different periods, and then discusses the Tiananmen Democracy Movement in detail. The second chapter studies the nature and growth of activism in the last two decades and how new technologies (in particular the internet) are supplementing the process of activism in contemporary China. With latest modes of activism, activists spread more awareness about citizen rights mentioned in The Constitution of China and demand the state to amend policies which deprive the people from their rights and follow and implement the policies mentioned in the constitution to combat corruption, injustice and inequality in the society. As the centre point of the thesis is 1989 Tiananmen Democracy Movement, the thesis explores how the participants of the movement are still determined to carry forward the mission and the vision of the Movement. Also, how many of the activists have influenced the policies of the state and also the image of China in the world. It identifies that internet mediated networks and the ever growing media industry have completely transformed activism in China.