ABSTRACT
In the past years, the ‘peasant burden’ has become a very serious problem in the Chinese countryside, with farmers paying heavy taxes and levies. The government took many measures and regulations to tackle this issue. But, based on a village survey, this article shows that these regulations are largely ineffective. Most of the taxes, especially the various levies and funds paid to the local governmental agencies, escape the controls. The author argues that the dysfunction of local administrations is, among others, the main cause of the peasant burden. The problem is not a new one in China and reflects still the subordinate status of the peasantry. Therefore, any solution should imply active participation of the farmers in the management of public affairs and the implementation of democracy at grassroots level.
