Includes bibliographical references (pages 277-296) and index.

Part I. Social institutions. Families, kinship and relatedness ; Marriage, intimacy, and sex ; Citizenship, household registration and migration ; Community institutions ; Work -- Part II. Cultures, socialization and the formation of identities. Religion, ritual and religiosity ; Ethnicity ; Education and the cultivation of citizens ; Modernity, youth identities and popular culture -- Part III. Inequalities, injustices and social responses. Social class and stratification ; Regional, rural-urban and within-community inequalities ; The 'woman question' and gender inequalities ; Collective action and social change.

China's rapid economic growth, modernization and globalization have led to astounding social changes. Contemporary China provides a fascinating portrayal of society and social change in the contemporary People's Republic of China. This book introduces readers to key sociological perspectives, themes and debates about Chinese society. It explores topics such as family life, citizenship, gender, ethnicity, labour, religion, education, class and rural/urban inequalities. It considers China's imperial past, the social and institutional legacies of the Maoist era, and the momentous forces shaping it in the present. It also emphasises diversity and multiplicity, encouraging readers to consider new perspectives and rethink Western stereotypes about China and its people. Real-life case studies illustrate the key features of social relations and change in China. Definitions of key terms, discussion questions and lists of further reading help consolidate learning. Including full-colour maps and photographs, this book offers remarkable insight into Chinese society and social change.