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Spatial Disparities and Economic Development in China, 1953‐92: A Comparative Study

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  • Simon Zhao Xiaobin

Abstract

It seems to be widely accepted that China's interior development during the Maoist period was based on ‘equality’ considerations, which narrowed Chinese regional disparities. By contrast, the recent coastal development during Deng's reform era has been coined as ‘uneven’ and ‘undesirable’, because it has created tremendous inequalities across the country. However, the findings of this study suggest that the question may not be that simple. This article examines the spatial disparities of economic development in China between 1953 and 1992, focusing on a time‐series comparison between the development policies of Mao and Deng, their outcomes and the resulting changes. By using provincial and regional economic and investment data, the article elaborates why Mao's interior development did not lead to a more equitable outcome than Deng's uneven strategy of’ east coastal development’. The findings provide an insight into some of the unexpected outcomes of more than forty years of socialist development, in the realm of economic growth and disparity.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Zhao Xiaobin, 1996. "Spatial Disparities and Economic Development in China, 1953‐92: A Comparative Study," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 27(1), pages 131-164, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devchg:v:27:y:1996:i:1:p:131-164
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-7660.1996.tb00581.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Simon Xiaobin Zhao, 1994. "Reforms and Regional Inequality in China: 1953-89," China Report, , vol. 30(3), pages 331-343, August.
    2. Lyons, Thomas P, 1991. "Interprovincial Disparities in China: Output and Consumption, 1952-1987," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 39(3), pages 471-506, April.
    3. Xiaobin Zhao & Li Zhang, 1995. "Urban Performance and the Control of Urban Size in China," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 32(4-5), pages 813-846, May.
    4. T. R. Lakshmanan & Chang-i Hua, 1987. "Regional Disparities in China," International Regional Science Review, , vol. 11(1), pages 97-104, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Richard J. Smith & Sergio J. Rey, 2018. "Spatial approaches to measure subnational inequality: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 36(S2), pages 657-675, September.
    2. Sylvie Démurger & Jeffrey D. Sachs & Wing Thye Woo & Shuming Bao & Gene Chang & Andrew Mellinger, 2002. "Geography, Economic Policy, and Regional Development in China," Asian Economic Papers, MIT Press, vol. 1(1), pages 146-197.
    3. Yanrui Wu, 2000. "Income disparity and convergence in China's regional economies," Chapters, in: P. J. Lloyd & Xiao-guang Zhang (ed.), China in the Global Economy, chapter 15, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    4. Lee, Jongchul, 2000. "Changes in the source of China's regional inequality," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 11(3), pages 232-245.

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