Routledge Contemporary China Civilising Citizens in Post-Mao China: Understanding the Rhetoric of Suzhi, (Hardcover)

Political discourse in 21st century China is intimately linked to the patriotic reverie of reviving China as a great civilisation, a dream of reformers since the beginning of the twentieth century as the imperial rule was unravelling. The concept and use of the discourse of suzhi - a term that denotes the idea of cultivating a 'quality' citizenship - is central to this program of rejuvenation and is enjoying a revival. This book is the first to offer an accessible and comprehensive analysis of suzhi and critical analysis of this predominant discourse in China.