Symbolic Interaction and Class Emergence: The Case of the New Class System in China

Abstract

Using a revised macrolevel symbolic interactionist approach, an attempt is made to reveal the crucial impact of meaning on the radical change of class structure in the context of economic reform in the People's Republic of China. Meaning is specified into four categories according to its functions, which underlie motivation, line of action, justification, & feedback/evaluation. It is shown how (1) a negative interpretation of Mao Ze-dong's economic system gained dominance in China & gave rise to the ongoing reform; (2) the power-based & power-divided reform was directed & disturbed by conflicting meanings associated with different interest groups; (3) it was justified by meanings of continually invented rationales & repeatedly adjusted according to the dominant perception of the reform results; & (4) how this complex process, while altering Mao's economic system, eventually & simultaneously produced a new system of class stratification. The major features of the new class structure are identified, & advantages of using this new analytical approach discussed.