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Constrained Labour Agency and the Changing Regulatory Regime in China

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  • Chris King-Chi Chan

Abstract

type="main"> Using the concept of ‘constrained agency’ introduced by Neil Coe and David Jordhus-Lier, this article attempts to evaluate the possibilities and constraints facing labour agency in the Pearl River Delta in China. By reviewing the social, economic and political background of the changing labour market and labour regulations in China, and through an intensive case study of a workers’ strike and its consequences, the author argues that Chinese migrant workers have begun to challenge the state's regulatory regime on labour, which is based on individual rights. However, the introduction of a regulatory framework based on collective rights is being impeded by the party-state's manipulation of trade unions and the strong influence of global capital on local labour policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Chris King-Chi Chan, 2014. "Constrained Labour Agency and the Changing Regulatory Regime in China," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 45(4), pages 685-709, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devchg:v:45:y:2014:i:4:p:685-709
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andy Cumbers & Corinne Nativel & Paul Routledge, 2008. "Labour agency and union positionalities in global production networks," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 8(3), pages 369-387, May.
    2. Unknown, 2005. "Forward," 2005 Conference: Slovenia in the EU - Challenges for Agriculture, Food Science and Rural Affairs, November 10-11, 2005, Moravske Toplice, Slovenia 183804, Slovenian Association of Agricultural Economists (DAES).
    3. Khalid Nadvi, 2008. "Global standards, global governance and the organization of global value chains," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 8(3), pages 323-343, May.
    4. Simon Clarke & Chang‐Hee Lee & Qi Li, 2004. "Collective Consultation and Industrial Relations in China," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 42(2), pages 235-254, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Helmerich, Nicole & Raj-Reichert, Gale & Zajak, Sabrina, 2021. "Exercising associational and networked power through the use of digital technology by workers in global value chains," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 25(2), pages 142-166.
    2. Ding Fei & Abdi Ismail Samatar & Chuan Liao, 2018. "Chinese–African encounters in high†tech sectors: Comparative investigation of Chinese workplace regimes in Ethiopia," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 36(S1), pages 455-475, March.
    3. Fei, Ding, 2020. "Variegated work regimes of Chinese investment in Ethiopia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    4. Amrita Chhachhi & Eli Friedman, 2014. "Alienated Politics: Labour Insurgency and the Paternalistic State in China," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 45(5), pages 1001-1018, September.
    5. Xu Wang & Chris King-Chi Chan & Linchuan Yang, 2022. "Do workers benefit from economic upgrading in the Pearl River Delta, China?," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-12, December.
    6. Khalid Nadvi & Gale Raj‐Reichert, 2015. "Governing health and safety at lower tiers of the computer industry global value chain," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 9(3), pages 243-258, September.
    7. Elaine Sio-ieng HUI & Chris King-Chi CHAN, 2014. "The politics of labour legislation in southern China: How foreign chambers of commerce and government agencies influence collective bargaining laws," International Labour Review, International Labour Organization, vol. 153(4), pages 587-607, December.
    8. Chris King-Chi CHAN & Khalid NADVI, 2014. "Changing labour regulations and labour standards in China: Retrospect and challenges," International Labour Review, International Labour Organization, vol. 153(4), pages 513-534, December.
    9. Wenten, Frido, 2017. "Does it matter what workers do? The role of workers' relational agency in the hybridisation of TNC subsidiaries in China and Mexico," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 86957, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    10. Cooke, Fang Lee. & Brown, Ronald., 2015. "The regulation of non-standard forms of employment in China, Japan and the Republic of Korea," ILO Working Papers 994888163402676, International Labour Organization.

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