ABSTRACT
A "moderately prosperous society" does not refer just to adequate food and clothing. It also signifies a society that is peaceful and at ease with itself. This chapter first gives a simplified outline of the current patterns by which rural communities are governed in China. It then combines the changes currently underway in rural societies with an analysis of the social-governance issues facing rural areas. On that basis, it makes recommendations on how to strengthen rural social governance by applying innovative methods. People should establish vital mechanisms for grassroots self-governance under the leadership of grassroots organizations of the Communist Party of China. In doing this, they must properly handle the allocation of power between Party entities and self-governance organizations at the grassroots level. People must ensure that the enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity with which and by which farmers participate in social management are fully engaged, so as to improve social self-governance and self-servicing capacities.
