ABSTRACT
This study has set out with the overarching assumption that the institutionalized structures and processes of central-local relations were responsible for the various unintended outcomes of the RTFR. Specifically, this study threw some light into the black box of the Chinese policy process and showed how the reform process gradually deviated from its initial aims. The basis of the analysis was a conceptual framework that combined the structural and the process dimensions of central-local relations, and which encompassed both formal and informal institutions. A process tracing approach was employed to trace the relationship between institutions and agency in the sequential evolution of the reform. While the conclusions at the end of the chapters summarized the findings for each stage in empirical detail, I will now climb somewhat higher on the ‘ladder of abstraction’ (G. Sartori)540 to condense these results into a set of more general findings regarding the impacts of central-local relations and agency on the outcome of each stage in the policy process. By analytically linking the sequences, a model of the RTFR process will be drawn up. Based on these findings, the second section outlines the theoretical and methodological value-added of the conceptual framework and research approach applied in this study. The final section returns to the issues of the peasant burden and rural governance to provide an assessment of the status quo and inspire further research.
