Rural China

Rural China has experienced a remarkable and, in some ways, alarming amount of change since the beginning of economic reforms in 1978. Write an essay about how rural Chinese areas and rural-urban relationships have changed in the decades since 1978. Discuss relevant key state policies that have affected rural areas, and how peasants have reacted to them. How does the state view rural areas today? In your essay, be sure to distinguish between different key periods of time. Exact dates are not necessary, but you should identify differences by decade, leadership, or broad policy changes. For example, the desirability of an agricultural hukou has changed significantly between 1979 and now. Also distinguish, where relevant, different situations in different places (for example, remote areas vs. peri-urban villages).