ABSTRACT

This book looks at the transition of modern Chinese society in terms of its culture and literature. Since the economic reforms and open door policy in 1978, the Chinese society has undergone a drastic transformation. It is headed towards becoming an ultra-modern advanced society and a world superpower. Among the pillars of great change are the advances in technology and communication that have reshaped Chinese society. This volume explores China’s march towards modernity in the 21st century as defined by its own terms. It discusses China’s social structure, ageing population, gender stratification, marriages, cultural identity, cosmopolitanism, its history of communism, law, economic reforms, financial institutions and challenges of the global markets. The book sheds light on Chinese literature and media and brings out various facets of social changes across time.

With its topical debates and issues, this volume will be useful to scholars and researchers of Chinese studies, East Asian studies, geopolitics, area studies, international relations, politics and foreign policy, along with think tanks and those in media and journalism.

chapter 1|19 pages

Changing society in China

Debates and issues

chapter 2|21 pages

China’s economy in transition

chapter 3|20 pages

Growth itinerary of China’s rural economy and the way ahead

Past contributions, present challenges and future opportunities for financial institutions

chapter 4|24 pages

Continuity, integration or metamorphosis?

Retracing the evolution of China’s social structure and cultural identity through history

chapter 5|13 pages

Greying China

Challenges and solutions

chapter 6|10 pages

Interpreting law in China

History, communism and economic reforms

chapter 7|24 pages

Foreign nationals and Chinese-foreign marriages in cosmopolitan China

Statistics, state policies and media discourse (2000–2012)