A Social History of Maoist China

Conflict and Change, 1949–1976

Felix Wemheuer author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:28th Mar '19

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A Social History of Maoist China cover

This book provides a detailed examination of Maoist China, highlighting the social changes and human struggles during the Communist era from 1949 to 1976.

In A Social History of Maoist China, Felix Wemheuer offers a nuanced exploration of the complex era from 1949 to 1976 when China was under Communist rule. This period was marked by ambitious efforts at modernization and significant social change, juxtaposed against a backdrop of human suffering and political terror. The author delves into the experiences of diverse social groups, including workers, peasants, intellectuals, and ethnic minorities, highlighting their hopes and struggles during this transformative time.

Wemheuer emphasizes the promises made by the Chinese communists to 'turn society upside down' and the resulting aspirations that emerged alongside fear and disillusionment. He meticulously examines how the People's Republic of China navigated the challenges of class, gender, ethnicity, and the urban-rural divide, providing a comprehensive view of the social fabric of the era. The book not only recounts the traumatic setbacks faced by the populace but also sheds light on the resilience and agency of various social groups.

As he traces the legacy of the Mao era into the 1980s, Wemheuer underscores the importance of recognizing the enduring memories of suffering that linger for many. A Social History of Maoist China serves as both an accessible introduction and a critical examination of a pivotal period in Chinese history, making it an essential read for those interested in understanding the complexities of Maoist rule and its lasting impact on Chinese society.

'Thoughtful, informed by a wealth of Chinese-language sources, and analytically penetrating, this is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand Maoist China. The social history of the Mao years is one of the most exciting new fields of Chinese history, and this book gives a comprehensive account of that period from one of its most impressive analysts.' Rana Mitter, University of Oxford
'This is a tour-de-force, a concise, balanced, and humane account of the first three chaotic decades of Communist rule in China. It shows the scale of change and disruption on women, peasants, workers, migrants, youth, and ethnic groups. Biographies, slogans, documents and posters give the book immediacy and authenticity.' Diana Lary, University of British Columbia
'Richly textured and analytically astute, the book makes an invaluable contribution to our understanding of the social history of one of the most tumultuous episodes of modern China. Wemheuer's unparalleled command of both the vast scholarly literature and the primary sources is an inspiration to other researchers in the field.' Yiching Wu, University of Toronto
'This book is a superb reference guide for scholars of Maoist China and social history more generally. A highly readable history … is essential material for anyone seeking to understand more fully the specific mechanisms of the Maoist party-state and, more broadly, contemporary Chinese history.' Matthew Galway, H-Net Reviews
'This is a must read for the study of the social history of modern China…Essential.' A. Y. Lee, Choice
'It is social history at its best and most insightful, including and interweaving political, cultural, economic, and intellectual history throughout. Social history of this calibre is a reminder that every historian ought to be a social historian, regardless of their thematic focus or the questions they are interested in.' Jennifer Altehenger, Family & Community History
'Readable, arresting, and broad in scope, A Social History of Maoist China will be as valuable an addition to undergraduate syllabi as to the bookshelves of PRC historians.' Nicholas R. Zeller, Pacific Affairs
'The book is wonderfully balanced … a remarkable achievement.' Jacob Eyferth, International Review of Social History
'… a comprehensive survey of the development of Chinese society in 1949–1976, as well as a balanced assessment of both the failures and achievements-such as increased life expectancy and literacy-of Maoist China.' Woyu Liu, Europe-Asia Studies
'Wemheuer's social history of China under Mao is a must-read …' Jan Zofka, Comparativ

ISBN: 9781107565500

Dimensions: 247mm x 174mm x 17mm

Weight: 720g

346 pages