James Donaldson’s Book Review – The Modern Scholar: The People’s Dynasty – Culture and Society in Modern China by Robert J Shepherd

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The Modern Scholar - The Peoples DynastyThe state-directed opening of the Chinese economy in 1979 led to a number of radical transformations within Chinese society, but Western understanding of these changes is often limited by erroneous assumptions. Offering a clear picture of the vast economic and social forces of modern-day China, Professor Robert J. Shepherd addresses U.S. investment in China, China’s startling economic growth, state vs. society issues in the vast republic, and the effect of social and cultural change on the Chinese people.

The United States has about 12 million undocumented workers within its borders currently.  China has about 150 million undocumented workers within its borders.

The “social contract” in China is that it will provide for its citizens the opportunity for economic growth, but it will not tolerate political dissent.

The Chinese find that a good way to say “public face” for daughter who is not married, is to send her abroad to study.  Being abroad, she is not in the Chinese mainstream of society, of people constantly going to be reminding her family and friends why she is not married, besides, she may find a foreigner to marry.

Mixed ethnic groups within China, offer the opportunity for the person to decide which group they will belong to.  About 90% of Chinese belong to the Han ethnic group.  The person can choose to be of one group or another, but they cannot be from both groups.

This book was a great collection of speeches and lectures given on the topic of China.  From its history, to its current state, to his challenges that are inherent with it becoming the world’s next great economic superpower.  China is a fascinating country, as the lectures within this book attest to.  It’s definitely a place worth visiting and paying attention to.

 

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