Showing papers by "Thomas Heberer published in 2004"

No. 61 (2004): Bilden sich in China Strukturen einer Zivilgesellschaft heraus?

Abstract: This paper analyzes the question whether or not in China structures of a civil society are emerging. It addresses the increasing separation of state and society, the society's differentiation, growing social and spatial disparities, the turn of the CCP from a class towards a people's party, the arising of new interest groups and interest organizations, of issue groups, NGOs, GONGOS and think tanks, developing grassroots elections in rural and urban areas and the political role of the Internet. It concludes that the application of the term 'civil society' in this case is highly problematic as citizens in Western terms and the necessary preconditions like an enterprise culture, a civic culture, a discoursive culture and an everyday culture are just emerging.

Ethnic entrepreneurs as agents of social change: Entrepreneurs, clans, social obligations and ethnic resources: the case of the Liangshan Yi in Sichuan

Abstract: The following contribution is concerned with the entrepreneurship among on of the major ethnic minorities It goes into the effects of Yi entrepreneurship on the social structures of Yi society, particularly the clans and their changing role and function We adress central components of social resources of Yi entrepreneurs, for instance ethnic resources; moral obligations of entrepreneurs towards their clan or lineage; social impacts in the form of entrepreneurs becoming clan or lineage headmen; the growing significance of non-kinship relations, and processes of individualization We conclude that entrepreneurs on the one side are still embedded in a framework of social morality and social and ethnic obligations, yet, on the other side, impact upon the change of the social structure of Yi society

Bilden sich in China Strukturen einer Zivilgesellschaft heraus

Abstract: This paper analyzes the question whether or not in China structures of a civil society are emerging. It addresses the increasing separation of state and society, the society's differentiation, growing social and spatial disparities, the turn of the CCP from a class towards a people's party, the arising of new interest groups and interest organizations, of issue groups, NGOs, GONGOS and think tanks, developing grassroots elections in rural and urban areas and the political role of the Internet. It concludes that the application of the term 'civil society' in this case is highly problematic as citizens in Western terms and the necessary preconditions like an enterprise culture, a civic culture, a discoursive culture and an everyday culture are just emerging.

Some considerations on China's minorities in the 21st century: conflict or conciliation?

Abstract: On a global scale, there has been a significant increase of ethnic conflicts in the last decade. They constitute one of the main sources of domestic political instability in multi-national countries. Recent opinion polls among Chinese citizens point to growing ethnic conflicts even in China. This paper addresses primarily five sources of conflict: collective memory, political conflicts, economic conflicts, cultural conflicts and new conflicts arising from economic and social change. It explores various forms of ethnic resistance (active and passive ones, violent and peaceful ones, formal and informal patterns) and suggests possible measures of conflict prevention and reduction of conflicts. Finally it argues that China may provide a good basis for such measures, as ethnic minorities are not only recognized as nationalities, but also are respected by public law and - according to this law - enjoy the same rights as the ethnic majority.

Ethnic entrepreneurs as agents of social change: Entrepreneurs, clans, social obligations and ethnic resources: the case of the Liangshan Yi in Sichuan

Abstract: The following contribution is concerned with the entrepreneurship among on of the major ethnic minorities. It goes into the effects of Yi entrepreneurship on the social structures of Yi society, particularly the clans and their changing role and function. We adress central components of social resources of Yi entrepreneurs, for instance ethnic resources; moral obligations of entrepreneurs towards their clan or lineage; social impacts in the form of entrepreneurs becoming clan or lineage headmen; the growing significance of non-kinship relations, and processes of individualization. We conclude that entrepreneurs on the one side are still embedded in a framework of social morality and social and ethnic obligations, yet, on the other side, impact upon the change of the social structure of Yi society.

Feldforschung in Asien: Erlebnisse und Ergebnisse aus der Sicht politikwissenschafticher Ostasienforschung / Institut für Ostasienwissenschaften, Universität Duisburg-Essen

Abstract: The following articles reflect the experiences during field studies in Asia in a very individual and personal way. After a short introduction to the concept of field research several articles about experiences of field studies in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, Pakistan will follow; the authors reflect the difficulties and challenges of their field research in a methodological way.