L2 - 'Modern' China

Question 1

What role does Confucianism play in modern China?

Answer 1

In Confucianism, everyone has a responsibility to integrate themselves into society with the state being the patriarch (head of the family).

Question 2

In what way does China want to be Modern?

Answer 2

Greater Nationalism, Self-Dependency, Semi-Individual Autonomy, Scientific Thought, Order and Rational Thinking

Question 3

How does historical context help to explain China’s rapid economic growth?

Answer 3

1. Confucianism during Han Dynasty for collective workforce
2. Opium Wars - greater western influence over ports and UK involvement in Hong Kong (capitalism)
3. Deng (1979) comes to power and promotes liberal economic policies (greater trade)

Question 4

Explain the regional political implications of China’s development

Answer 4

Relies on trade in S.China Sea so building islands to exert control/influence over Philippines etc. Also has water conflicts with India and Cambodia/Vietnam

Question 5

Is China Communist?

Answer 5

Yes in the sense that the state is un-elected, but no in the sense its economic policy is liberal and encourages free market trade

Question 6

Why did the Great Leap forward not result in economic growth/development?

Answer 6

Poor management - people moved from agriculture into factory work (RUM) - resulting in large famine

Question 7

Is China a democracy?

Answer 7

No - its government officials work their way up a numerical rating system through merit (meritocracy) - no public vote