China & Democracy Post Mao

China and Democracy Post Mao

The Potential Power of China’s New Middle Class

By: Ryan Smith
Senior Thesis
Professor Felker

Abstract: This paper examines China during the reform era after Mao. It tries to understand how a country, which has been engaging in economic liberal reforms since 1978, has been able to resist any major political reforms. The answer to this question lies with the newly created middle class in China. The reforms initiated by the CCP have resulted in impressive rates of economic growth which in turn have given rise to a middle class. The fact that the CCP was the reason and facilitator of this growth has resulted in a middle class who has seen no reason to upset the balance and demand reform. This has resulted in a paradoxical relationship for the CCP in regards to capitalism. Capitalism, the ideological enemy of Communism, has proven to be the necessary tool for the CCP to be seen as legitimate. The CCP is still in power because it is seen as economically legitimate in the eyes of their middle class.

Outline

I. Introduction A: Theoretical framework for the question B: Performance legitimacy

II. Brief Leadership history of China in 20th Century A: Chairman Mao B: Deng Xiaoping

III. A Secondary force for democracy A: Cultural perspective B: Coordination goods

IV. Globalization A: NGOs B: The internet

V. Social Unrest A: Tiananmen Square B: Hong Kong C: The role of corruption

VI. Economic Boom and the rise of the Middle class A: Soeharto B: Economic boom since 1978 C: The Chinese stock market D: Private property E: Red capitalists F: Middle class composition and implications

VII. Conclusion A: Where this leaves China

I. Introduction

On September 9th 1976 Chairman Mao Zedong, the pioneer of Communism in China, passed away and after a power struggle that

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