Does China's recent 'harmonious society' discourse reflect a shift towards human development?
Publication Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
6-2012
Abstract
This paper analyses whether the Chinese state's recent efforts since 2003 to build a 'harmonious society' (HS; hexie shehui) represents an ideological shift towards global human development (HD) norms promoted by the United Nations. At first glance, the one-party authoritarian state of China seems worlds apart from the more inclusive HD approach. However, China's increasing emphasis on rebuilding health insurance, expanding compulsory education and reducing inter-regional inequalities somewhat resembles HD. To clarify these ambiguities, the study analyses recent PRC social development reports and scholarly debates to understand the HS ideology. The paper concludes with a critical assessment of HS discourse and a clarification of six key dimensions on which the HS appears to differ from the HD approach to development. © 2012 Taylor & Francis.
Discipline
Political Science | Politics and Social Change | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration
Research Areas
Political Science
Publication
Journal of Political Ideologies
Volume
17
Issue
2
First Page
169
Last Page
187
ISSN
1469-9613
Identifier
10.1080/13569317.2012.676859
Publisher
Taylor & Francis (Routledge): SSH Titles
Citation
JOSHI, Devin K..(2012). Does China's recent 'harmonious society' discourse reflect a shift towards human development?. Journal of Political Ideologies, 17(2), 169-187.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/1971
Additional URL
https://doi.org/10.1080/13569317.2012.676859