Social control in China: a study of Chinese work units

Abstract

The text consists of five parts, or twenty-two chapters. Part I introduces the general structure and process of Chinese work units and social control practices, formulates a conceptual framework, and provides information about data collection. Part II identifies the major forms of social control in Chinese work units: control through ideology, residency, confidential records, civil reward and penalty, administrative disciplining, quasi-justice, para-security, collective vigilance, and mass inclusion. Each is discussed and analyzed with respect to structure, process, nature, and xiv Introduction change. Comparisons are made with control throughout Chinese history and outside China. Part III examines communist political economy and Chinese culture; it attempts to contextually explain why various forms of social control in Chinese work organizations are possible, unavoidable, and sustained. Part IV documents employee reaction to and evaluation of the Chinese work unit and its various forms of social control. A comparison of Chinese work units with American employers is presented with regard to the mode and nature of work control. Part V explores China's current system reforms and long-term trends toward modernization and democratization; it projects possible future changes on the Chinese social control mechanisms.