Urban Spaces in Contemporary China: The Potential for Autonomy and Community in Post-Mao China

Description

The post-Mao urban reforms of the past decade have physically and psychologically transformed China's cities. Urban Spaces in Contemporary China explores how the character of city life changed after political-economic restructuring intensified in 1984, and how this change affected the creation of new physical, economic and cultural space in urban China. Drawing on a wide range of backgrounds, including economics, art history, law, and sociology, the authors bring personal insights to dimensions of urban Chinese life that are often misunderstood: China's large "floating populations," avant-garde art, labor movements, and leisure.

"...the diversity of subjects and approaches make this book an informative and interesting read...It contributes to the literature on the state-society divide in Deng Xiaoping's China by providing detailed discussions on various subjects. Readers of this volume, regardless of their interests, will not be disappointed, and, like conference attendees, will certainly find fascinating material in at least some of the offerings here. For those who are concerned with the process of China's socialist transformation, this will be a welcome addition to their libraries. I am grateful to retain my to retain my review copy." Reginald Yin-Wang Kwok, China Review International