Colin Mackerras

Bio: Colin Mackerras is an academic researcher from Griffith University. The author has contributed to research in topics: China & Ethnic group. The author has an hindex of 21, co-authored 151 publications receiving 1762 citations. Previous affiliations of Colin Mackerras include Renmin University of China.

China's ethnic minorities and globalisation

Abstract: 1. Introduction 2. Historical Background, 1949-89 3. Minorities Politics, 1989-2002 4. The Economies of the Minorities 5. The Realm of the Mind, Religion and Education 6. Population, Women and Family 7. International Relations 8. Conclusion

Western images of China

Abstract: This study explores the ways in which Westerners, from the earliest times until the late 1980s, have perceived China Examining sources from all media - literature, journalism, the visual and performing arts - the author shows the enormous variety in Western images of China over the centuries He demonstrates the impact which the power relations of the day have exerted on the ways Westerners have perceived China and its people At some time China has constituted a "model" for certain schools of thought in the West, at others China has been viewed as a threat to Western civilization

China's Minority Cultures: Identities and Integration Since 1912

Abstract: Religion, 1912-49 pre-1949 education marriage and divorce - some gender issues pre-1949 literature and the performing arts, 1912-49 religion among the minority nationalities, 1949-95 minorities and the education system, 1949-95 some gender issues - marriage and divorce, 1949-95 literature and the performing arts, 1949-95.

Getting Ahead in the Communist Party: Explaining the Advancement of Central Committee Members in China

Abstract: Spectacular economic growth in China suggests the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has somehow gotten it right. A key hypothesis in both economics and political science is that the CCP's cadre evaluation system, combined with China's geography-based governing logic, has motivated local administrators to compete with one another to generate high growth. We raise a number of theoretical and empirical challenges to this claim. Using a new biographical database of Central Committee members, a previously overlooked feature of CCP reporting, and a novel Bayesian method that can estimate individual-level correlates of partially observed ranks, we find no evidence that strong growth performance was rewarded with higher party ranks at any of the postreform party congresses. Instead, factional ties with various top leaders, educational qualifications, and provincial revenue collection played substantial roles in elite ranking, suggesting that promotion systems served the immediate needs of the regime and its leaders, rather than encompassing goals such as economic growth.

Saving Languages: An Introduction to Language Revitalization

Abstract: Language endangerment has been the focus of much attention and as a result, a wide range of people are working to revitalize and maintain local languages. This book serves as a general reference guide to language revitalization, written not only for linguists and anthropologists, but also for language activists and community members who believe they should ensure the future use of their languages, despite their predicted loss. Drawing extensively on case studies, it sets out the necessary background and highlights central issues such as literacy, policy decisions, and allocation of resources. Its primary goal is to provide the essential tools for a successful language revitalization program, such as setting and achieving realistic goals, and anticipating and resolving common obstacles. Clearly written and informative, Saving Languages will be an invaluable resource for all those interested in the fate of small language communities around the globe.

Tourism and indigenous peoples : issues and implications

Abstract: Tourism and Indigenous Peoples is a unique text examining the role of indigenous societies in tourism and how they interact within the tourism nexus. Unlike other publications, this text focuses on the active role that indigenous peoples take in the industry, and uses international case studies and experiences to provide a global context to illustrate best practice and aid comparison. First published over ten years ago the editors, Butler and Hinch, have thoroughly revised and updated the text to bring together a new collection of contributions and case studies from recognised international authors and those with first hand experiences in this area. Divided into five main sections, the text looks at this topic under the following headings: Involvement: Uses case studies to discuss and compare such as 'campfire' programmes in east Africa, and the employment of indigenous peoples as guides, amongst other cases, Turbulence: Host guest relationships, conflicts on communities and contrasting strategies and results of tourism in indigenous villages in South Africa. Issues: Discusses issues such as authenticity, religious beliefs and managing indigenous tourism in a fragile environment. Progress: Looks at tourism education, tourism and cultural survival and examples of the policy and practice of indigenous tourism. Conclusions: Five contributions from indigenous people on North America, Australasia and Europe to discuss implications and experiences. Each section uses international case studies from, for example, Australia, New Zealand, Nepal, Namibia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and South America.