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Mobilization without Movement: How the Chinese State “Fixed†Labor Insurgency

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  • Patricia Chen
  • Mary Gallagher

Abstract

Drawing on a qualitative analysis of two recent labor disputes in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, this article asks: Why has a broad-based labor movement failed to emerge in contemporary China? Both pro-labor legislation and the existence of movement-oriented labor NGOs appear to provide opportunities and resources for workers to engage in organized action to expand workers’ rights. Two political mechanisms, however, help explain why a strong labor movement has not developed: 1) legislation and courtroom procedures and 2) official institutions that monopolize the space for representation—specifically the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU). We call these two mechanisms “political fixes†and discuss how they interact to engender a feedback between the fragmentation of collective action during labor conflict and the continuous uptick in labor insurgency. This article contributes to labor movement theory: It puts greater emphasis on the institutional mechanisms that constrain labor, as opposed to sheer repression or economic factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Patricia Chen & Mary Gallagher, 2018. "Mobilization without Movement: How the Chinese State “Fixed†Labor Insurgency," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 71(5), pages 1029-1052, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ilrrev:v:71:y:2018:i:5:p:1029-1052
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Li, Chunyun, 2021. "From insurgency to movement: an embryonic labor movement undermining hegemony in South China," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 101456, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. Yang, Yujeong, 2022. "Bring Your Own Workers: Chinese OFDI, Chinese overseas workers, and collective labor rights in Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    3. Saerom Han, 2023. "Mobilizing within and beyond the Labor Union: A Case of Precarious Workers’ Collective Actions in North Africa," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 76(4), pages 674-696, August.
    4. Elaine Sio‐ieng Hui, 2022. "Bottom‐Up Unionization in China: A Power Resources Analysis," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 60(1), pages 99-123, March.

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