Abstract In this paper the writer reviews the book by John Fairbank, "The United States and China". The author of the paper describes the book and outlines the main subjects covered. He then goes on to discuss elements in the book relating specifically to China - family, religion, politics and history. He comes to the conclusion that whilst the book was written some time ago, it is still relevant today for the student of American-Chinese relations.
From the Paper "A major theme in the book and in China is the family. And unlike families in the West (including Europe) the Chinese family unit is, Fairbank writes on page 21, a "microcosm, the state in miniature." This explains a lot about China, since the family - not the individual - has been for centuries the "responsible element in the political life..." of China. The family's function is to institute obedience (which the state wants from its people of course), to institute loyalty (again, mirrored by the state's demand for loyalty), and to raise "filial sons" who will become loyal to authority in the family setting. Women were always inferior, and are inferior today in China. On page 23 the author points out that philosophically, ancient China had the Yin (all things "female, dark, weak, and passive..") and the Yang (all things "male, bright, strong, and active.."). Girls have been (and still are to a great degree) subordinated to boys from the time they are infants (p. 23)."
Tags:china, usa, communism, capitalism, family, dynasty, america
Abstract This is a research and critical review of China's one child population policy. It delves into the nature of the policy, the reasons for its implementation, the benefits and draw backs of the policy and whether it has been successful or not. The author looks at the problems with the policy with special reference to the way it effects society and proposes alternatives and solutions to the policy.
From the Paper "The Chinese population policy is approaching its silver anniversary and the contentious nature of the strategy remains. Without question the one child per family policy has changed China's demographic landscape, but many individuals still question the success and ethical nature of the implementation. These strategies have also caused new problems that the country must address. Numerous people wonder if the positive decline of population growth can offset the negative effects of the policy."
Abstract This paper describes the social and economic conditions that gave rise to China's one child policy, a policy directed only at the Han Chinese and not minorities within the country, and then takes a look at the advantages and disadvantages of this policy, as well as its consequences. The paper concludes with recommendations for addressing the population explosion in China.
Introduction
Advantages
Disadvantages
Ethnographic/Social Considerations
Social Consequences
Benefits vs. Problems
Government and Han Chinese
Conclusions/Recommendations
From the Paper "The population of China has been exploding in the last several decades, with reports of more than 549 million people in the early 20th century alone (Smith, 1991). The population reached and exceeded 1 billion in the 1980s, more than one-fifth of the world's total population (Smith, 1991:116). China's tremendous population growth has resulted in many problems. One major concern is that there is not enough land to support the number of people living in the country. The population growth has continued despite a lack of increases in the amount of cultivatable land thus there is only half as much land per capita for example in 1979 as there was in 1949, and the number has continued to decline through the nineties (Smith, 1991)."
A look at China's policy on population control and various other Chinese government policies that impinge on human rights and therefore impede greater economic ties between China and the West.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 4 sources, 2006, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper discusses population policy in China over the last fifty years with an emphasis on the one child policy instituted in the 1970s that has greatly reduced the growth rate in the population. As China seeks more and more economic ties to the West the policy of reduced family size and at times forced abortions is a public relations problem, much like child labor, prison labor and similar centrally controlled policies that run afoul of human rights.
From the Paper "Population policies in the People's Republic of China reflect a real concern about population growth and the huge size of the population but are, at the same time, bound with issues of ideology and social control. Certain highly restrictive policies began in the 1970s and were deemed successful at reducing the size of the population, and especially the rural population. As China seeks more and more economic ties to the West, the policy of reduced family size and at times forced abortions is a public relations problem, much like child labor, prison labor, and similar centrally-controlled policies that run afoul of human rights."
Abstract This paper reviews how the Chinese government implemented a strict one-child policy decades ago in order to control its drastic population explosion. The author indicates that although the policy was enforced with reward and punishment, it has been largely successful. However, this policy, against natural process of reproduction, is creating serious social issues such as gender imbalance and orphans. The policy is very controversial due to its inhumane approach including mass sterilizations and forced abortions, and the policy also violates a human right of reproduction. This paper examines whether China can supply enough food, jobs and places to live for its people despite this policy and what problems China will face in the future.
From the Paper "More than a fifth of the world's population lives in China today. Even though Chinese government had implemented a fairly successful One-child policy, Chinese population will continue to grow until it is estimated to level off sometime before 2100. Chinese government was successful in making people believe that having more than one child is not good for China's future. On the other hand, strict and inhumane policy had raised some issues in terms of basic human rights in reproduction and also damage to traditional values. However controversial the policy was, it helped to control China's population growth. The question China must answer is; Can China support itself today, and in the future?"
Abstract This paper explains how liberalization, capitalist activities and new urbanization have created internal migration within mainland China where regulated movement was normal into the 1980s. The author points out that this migration has created new wealth, waged labor, more minority member arrivals in cities and women migrants. The paper relates that the old family-oriented strategies also have driven this internal migration.
From the Paper "When one looks at a map of the Peoples' Republic of China (PRC) one always sees a larger number of noted towns and cities as the eye moves, west to east. Until the late 1980s, the state controlled the growth of urban centers, carefully, and with people's movement limited towards the cities. Migration control policies worked to help the economy, stopping over-population in areas without employment, while seeing that labor was provided as needed, in other areas. The change to 'Marketization' meant that the central government's control over the movement of peoples began to decline."
Abstract Overcrowding in China, as in many parts of the world, has long been a serious topic of discussion. This paper explores the reasons behind the implementation of the policy and what its objectives are. The paper shows that, as with most any social policy, the one child initiative of the Chinese government has created numerous problems, not least of all, it has reinforced some unpleasant gender biases in Chinese culture.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the role of women in Japan and China has undergone a significant change due to the profound influence of Western culture in these Asian countries. This paper examines the history of the social status of both Japanese and Chinese women, and looks at how that status has changed and evolved over the years as the West has imposed its values on both countries' citizens. The writer argues that Japanese and Chinese women have experienced both positive and negative outcomes in social equality due to the impact of Western civilization on these two Eastern powers, however, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Outline:
Introduction
Japanese Women prior to World War II
Post World War II Japanese Women
Chinese women and their status after the influence of Western culture
The Social Equality of Japanese and Chinese Women
Negative social outcomes due to Western influence
Japan
China Refuting the Negative Social Outcomes Due to Western Influence
Conclusion
From the Paper "Overall, women in Japan and China today experience much more social equality than their mothers and grandmothers ever did. Each great Eastern power was under the influence of Confucius and the old customs that made women subservient to their husbands, and even to their eldest sons.
"Since Western standards of gender equality have encroached the East, women in both Japan and China have had a much greater opportunity for education. This is evident in the sharply increased female enrollment at the university level in both powers."
"The glass ceiling for women not only exists for women in Japan and China, but also is still an issue in the United States. Nonetheless, there are increased opportunities within the work place due to higher academic achievement among Japanese and Chinese women. Women are now in government offices in both powers and greater opportunities will no doubt abound in time."
Abstract This paper analyses the needs of the Lok family who have a family member who needs health care. The paper explains how an integral part of quality care is that all care professionals who interact with the patient and family members share the responsibility of providing patient and family education. In this case the author establishes that as the family are immigrants it is necessary to understand and respect their religious and cultural background in order to be able to provide the best health education.
From the Paper "Patient and family education is an integral part of quality care. Providing it is a responsibility shared by all care professionals who interact with a patient and with family members. Teaching patients can be the most challenging as well as the most rewarding aspect of care. Understanding the patient's religious and cultural background is an important consideration when providing health education to the Lok family. In order to determine the family's cultural status and understand its forced migration, I must be open-minded, show respect for beliefs that differ from my own, and avoid making assumptions or stereotyping. In educating the Lok family, it is essential to understand Chinese culture. China is a country of multiple faiths, with a large segment of the pop..."
Abstract This paper discusses that even though the one-child policy in China does make economic sense, on a social level it is disastrous. It explains that socially, only children are less developed and that some parents go as far as to murder or abandon their new-born girls because they want a boy if they are only going to have one child.
From the Paper "Ever since the advent of Man, he has been reproducing and because of such today we exist. If all the creatures on the face of this planet including man would stop reproducing then the Earth would soon become lifeless. Plants, beasts, insects and man all undergo this natural process to keep the life cycle running. Reproduction is a natural process and a birthright given to man by God. No major religion of the world, be it Christianity, Judaism or Islam, ever puts a limit to the number of children one can have. Islam further gives man the right to practice polygyny under certain circumstances like when it fears population depletion after war. The Biblical scriptures also talk about biblical personalities who had many wives. The point underlying this is that God did not put restriction on man yet an Asian country explains that because it was about to undergo a population explosion, it has limited its people to have only one child. This is what known as "China's One Child Policy". It is thus illegal in China to have more than one child."
This paper examines "Big Dragon China's Future: What it Means for Business, the Economy, and the Global Order" by Daniel Burstein and Arne de Keijzer who both contend that China is well on its way to becoming the world's largest economy.
Abstract This paper reviews Burstein and de Keijzer's "Big Dragon China's Future: What it Means for Business, the Economy, and the Global Order" in which both authors predict that by the 2030s China will be the world's largest economy. This paper discusses the various companies that have suffered due to the shifting politics of foreign policy between China being in favor one day and out the next. This paper also details the views of Jeffrey Garten, a writer for "Harvard Business Review" who sees China as enticement for foreign investors, yet stresses caution should be used in developing any business relationship with China. This well-written paper covers several areas regarding China's economy including a U.S. initiative supporting China's membership in the World Trade Organization, expansion of U.S. public-private partnerships to invest and help solve particular problems in China and development of China's policy mutually with U.S. allies. "Big Dragon" profiles many individual Chinese entrepreneurs and others who are bringing a new China into being. This paper also focuses on Zhang Wei, one of China's more successful entrepreneurs, who went from government researcher to heading a company employing 400 in only three years. Despite the differences between practices in China and other countries, many corporations are willing to take a big gamble on China, seeing that their future is dependent on their performance in China.
From the Paper "Over the course of his history, Zhang has captured the essence of the Chinese business world of "catch-as-catch-can". His corporation has various types of holdings, often-different one from the other. Zhang has bridged the gap across the Pacific with the United States with his position of "master franchise holder in China" of an American company, Fun World. What makes this situation particularly unique is that it is one of the first companies in China "to buy an interest in a U.S. company." At the time Big Dragon was written, Zhang was "negotiating an arrangement that would shift manufacturing of all the equipment for the centers to China." Zhang hopes to take the U.S. company over altogether, including the export of the concept to "other countries and selling the franchisees Chinese-made equipment." Zhang has encountered some problems along the way, problems that are compounded by China's culture and lack of laws, which govern specific business issues. One is that franchisees have stolen the company name and have opened their own centers."
Abstract This paper researches the relationship between the United States and China in regards to trading policies. A brief description of the United States' foreign policy is provided followed by an examination of the US-China trade relation from 1979 to present. The context of the research centers around the four p's in trading; power, principles, prosperity and peace and how in each area China has maintained such variables in trading. The other issues that are discussed as integral to the relationship of US-China trade are US-Soviet relations in regards to the China Card, Tiananmen Square, human rights, and labor standards. The paper concludes that the relationship between the U.S and China as described in the paper is teetering and yet, because of the WTO and foreign investments such as Boeing, trade with China is inevitable.
Outline:
China's Trade
China's Trade Relations
China Card
Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989
Conclusion
From the Paper "The concept of trade between countries is one that has been prevalent since the shipping industry of early China. In fact China and its role with the WTO is one in which there exists strain. China became a member of the WTO in December of 2001. China had been an original member of GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) but has since declined any efforts towards globalization. However, since its inclusion with the WTO in 2001 China is under specific WTO regulations. These regulations are highlighted as nondiscrimination in trading policies, market opening, transparency and predictability, undistorted trade, and preferential treatment towards developing countries."
This paper examines the rich history, economy and culture of China as depicted in John Bryan Starr's "Understanding China: A Guide to China's Economy, History and Political Structure."
Abstract This paper reviews "Understanding China: A Guide to China's Economy, History and Political Structure" by John Bryan Starr. This paper discusses China's ancient culture and its emergence as one of the foremost powers in the modern world. This paper focuses on China's recent admission to the World Trade Organization and as well as its economy which is set to become the largest in the world within the next few years. The writer of this paper examines China's political history and contends that in spite of the country's numerous transformations, the structure of the government is today fundamentally identical with what it was under the later imperial dynasties. Today, there is no emperor at the top, but instead a small committee of the leading members of various political parties who hold much the same position. Although there had been significant changes in China's economy, few political changes transpired. The communists still hold a monopoly of power and although its economic policies scarcely seem to be communist anymore, it does not intend to relax its political grip.
From the Paper "Starr contends that China remains one of the most self-contained and hence inscrutable countries in the world. It has an ancient culture of major historical importance, and has been emerging as one of the foremost powers of the modern world. It is the third largest country in the world and certainly the most populous, with about one-fifth of the world's total population. Modern communications make it as easy to reach Beijing from London or New York as it is to get to Singapore or Nairobi. Yet China remains little known and poorly understood; few foreigners learn its language or study its history and culture. Although foreign trade and tourism have increased dramatically in the last decade, they are only very slowly leading to any changes in foreign perceptions of China."
An examination of the concept of Greater China as it is described by Harry Harding in his essay "The Concept of Greater China: Themes, Variations, and Reservations".
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, 2005, $ 35.95
Abstract This paper examines how Harry Harding in his essay "The Concept of Greater China: Themes, Variations, and Reservations", describes a China that goes beyond the geographic and political boundaries of the People s Republic of China. This China which includes Chinese communities around the world is becoming more closely integrated through trade and technology. The paper examines this idea of Greater China as it is described by Harding and other writers.
From the Paper "Harry Harding, in his essay "The Concept of Greater China: Themes, Variations and Reservations," describes a "China" that goes beyond the geographic and political boundaries of the People's Republic of China. This China, which includes Chinese communities around the world, is becoming more closely integrated through trade and technology. In this paper I will examine this idea of Greater China as it is described by Harding and other writers."
Abstract This paper discusses whether China is emerging as a technological superpower. After analyzing the major constituents of China's recent technological progress the Chinese education system is evaluated. The paper shows that critical deficiencies as to indigenous innovation and technological competitiveness still exist. The paper concludes that China's great potential of future technological advancement significantly requires that the country first enhance its state of education.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
The Technological Situation in China Economic Progress
Foreign Contribution
Classification of Technology
Research and Development
China's State Of Education
Stages of Education
Compatibility of Education Systems
China's Educational Achievements
Educational Challenges
International Competitiveness
Conclusion
From the Paper "These zones were set up in several Chinese cities and regions to provide significant advantages for enterprises operating there. In particular, imported goods were free of both tariffs and taxes. As a consequence, an increasing number of foreign investors started to take advantage of the attractive conditions and the special economic zones evolved into China's major economic centres. Over the course of time, the Chinese government began to focus on technology as a top priority. This strategy was a direct result of the massive flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) into China's more capital-intensive industries."
