Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book. The book presents a detailed case study of a Chinese technical unit over the period from 1966 to 1974. It provides a detailed account of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution in this unit. The book provides an analysis of the various dimensions of collective political participation and the nature of personal political motivations during a political movement. It explains the relationship between the movement in this particular unit and the nationwide ideological content and political dynamics of the Cultural Revolution. The book investigates the impact of the political system on the unit and its members. This involves analysis of patterns of membership in political organizations, participation in institutionalized political activities, the nature and impact of political factions during the Cultural Revolution, and problems of political recruitment, control, leadership, mobilization, and education.