Introduction

According to Cao Jinqing, the Chinese intelligentsia, himself included, is ‘fond of talking about political reform’ but has ‘not the faintest idea about what [is] really happening on the ground’. Cao, a Shanghai-based professor of sociology, decided to address the situation, and the result is this book. Although he is writing about Chinese problems for his compatriots, the vivid anecdotes and critical reflections make this a compelling read for a non-Chinese audience too.