ABSTRACT
Patterns of health and the specific form of health services in any society are largely the product of social, economic, and political processes unique to that society. This chapter introduces the development of the rural health services and general coping resources in the People's Republic of China (PRC). The major political and economic events that occurred in the PRC during the first three decades of Communist regime left their mark on the health status, health care system, standard of living, level of education, and social support available to the population. Poor health status and lack of health services were incompatible with Chinese Communist Party ideology and goals. Ideologically, the 'Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution' was consistent with Mao Ze Dong's perception of the Communist philosophy of perpetual social change and reexamination of values, attitudes, and structure. The upheaval of the Cultural Revolution severely damaged China's economy.
