ABSTRACT
This book is a collection of empirical studies on China’s middle class from top-ranking Chinese sociologists, discussing this newly identified social stratum with regard to the basic concept and scope of the group, its functions, formation, identity, consumption, behavior patterns and value system. As the first study of its kind, the analysis of most chapters is based on a rich body of empirical data gathered from rigorous large-scale surveys designed specifically for the Chinese middle class across megacities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The book traces the complex and dynamic formation process of China’s middle class from different perspectives while dealing with issues of social concern such as “rigid social stratification”. The findings shed light on the underlying logic of structural change in Chinese society over several recent decades, with significant policy implications.
The book will attract sociologists, students and policymakers interested in social structure, social transformation and middle-income groups in China.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|41 pages
Concept, function and scope of the middle class
chapter 2|23 pages
“White collar” workers in the social structure and their function in society
part II|81 pages
Formation and identity of the middle class
chapter 5|26 pages
Housing and the class identity of urban residents
chapter 6|25 pages
The social composition of private business owners in China
part III|83 pages
Middle-class consumption
chapter 8|22 pages
Expanding the middle-income group and promoting consumption to boost the economy
chapter 10|20 pages
From emphasizing “Education” to emphasizing “Supply”
chapter 11|27 pages
Market competition, collective consumption and environmental quality
part IV|56 pages
Behavior and value system of the middle class