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5 - Co-optation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 November 2019

Daniel C. Mattingly
Affiliation:
Yale University, Connecticut
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Summary

In this chapter, I turn my attention to the dynamics of co-optation of local notables. One might expect that the inclusion of communal elites in local political institutions might strengthen the voice of villagers and make local governments more responsive. By contrast, I argue that when communal elites are included in formal political institutions in rural China, they help the state control their group. Drawing on evidence from case studies, an original experiment, and a national dataset, I show how the inclusion of local elites in formal political bodies allows the state to requisition land and enforce family planning policy while forestalling collective action. Case studies from Scotland and the United States suggest that this mechanism of informal control may have applicability beyond China. When the leaders of communal groups remain outside the state, however, they can help to organize resistance against it.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2019

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  • Co-optation
  • Daniel C. Mattingly, Yale University, Connecticut
  • Book: The Art of Political Control in China
  • Online publication: 18 November 2019
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108662536.005
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  • Co-optation
  • Daniel C. Mattingly, Yale University, Connecticut
  • Book: The Art of Political Control in China
  • Online publication: 18 November 2019
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108662536.005
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Co-optation
  • Daniel C. Mattingly, Yale University, Connecticut
  • Book: The Art of Political Control in China
  • Online publication: 18 November 2019
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108662536.005
Available formats
×