Nation, governance, and modernity in China : Canton, 1900-1927 / Michael Tsin.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Tsin, Michael Tsang-Woon.

Series:

Studies of the East Asian Institute.

Studies of the East Asian Institute, Columbia University

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Guangzhou (China)--Social policy.

Guangzhou (China).

Guangzhou (China)--Social conditions--20th century.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (283 p.)

Place of Publication:

Stanford, Calif. : Stanford University Press, c1999.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This is the first detailed study in English of the city of Canton (Guangzhou), the cradle of the Chinese revolution, in the first quarter of the twentieth century. In retracing various fragments of the city’s history in this period, the book argues that modernist politics as practiced by the Nationalists and Communists represented a specific political rationality embedded in the context of a novel conception of the social realm. Modern governments invariably base their claim to legitimacy on the support of “society” or “the people.” The mobilization of hitherto disenfranchised constituents into the political process is thus a central component of the nation-state. Modern governments also produce schemes for categorizing and organizing these same constituents to ensure social unity and their base of support. The author analyzes this apparent paradox of modern governance—emancipation and discipline—as shown in the discourse and practice of Canton elites and the lives of the city’s inhabitants. Canton, which witnessed the modernization of both its physical and social structures in the early twentieth century, was the site of the first modernist government in Chinese history. The new governing elites, the Nationalists and Communists, attempted to dissect and classify their constituents into different classes or segments and to transform them into disciplined members of a new body social. Contrary to their expectations, extensive organizational work, though empowering the newly mobilized, did not lead to the formation of a well-ordered society. Instead, it brought into sharp focus the heterogeneity of Canton society and highlighted the impossibility of its analysis and management as a totality. To the dismay of the modernizers, social discipline could be restored only through violence.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Acknowledgments

Contents

INTRODUCTION Social Unity and Modern Governance

CHAPTER ONE In the Name of Society

CHAPTER TWO Toward Modernity

CHAPTER THREE The Contested Nation

CHAPTER FOUR Privileging Labor

CHAPTER FIVE The Riddle of Mobilization

Epilogue

Character List

Abbreviations

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 237-267) and index.

ISBN:

0-8047-7992-9

OCLC:

1294423496