ABSTRACT

Labour reform is only one component of the larger process of reforming economy and society experienced by China over the last three decades. This book uses historical analytical tools in order to shed light on how policymaking takes place in contemporary China: an experimental and self-fulfilling process where decisions are taken only long after being introduced into daily practice. It will be valuable to students of contemporary Chinese society and key to the understanding of 25 years of Chinese labour reform.

chapter |26 pages

Distribution According to What?

From Politis to Labour

chapter |23 pages

Back to the Future

The Initial Paths of Labour Reform (1977–1983)

chapter |22 pages

What is Labour?

Towards the Marketisation of Labour Relations (1984–1991)

chapter |22 pages

Beyond Socialist Labour

The Labour Market Debate in the 1990s

chapter |45 pages

Epilogue: Labour Market and the State

Informalisation or Institutionalisation?