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Ideological Reform and Political Legitimacy in China: Challenges in the Post-Jiang Era

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  • Holbig, Heike

Abstract

As a Socialist country undergoing rapid social and economic transition, China presents a revealing case study on the role of ideology in the process of institutional change. Based on Douglass North's theory of institutional change and on David Beetham's theory of political legitimation, this paper argues that recent ideological reforms have been a crucial factor in sustaining the legitimacy of Communist party rule. Ideological change is conceived as a path-dependent process which helps to stabilize the social perception of transition and to frame the party's modernization achievements. At the same time, the dominant role of ideology makes the Chinese party-state, despite its economic success, more vulnerable to legitimacy crises compared to other authoritarian regimes.

Suggested Citation

  • Holbig, Heike, 2006. "Ideological Reform and Political Legitimacy in China: Challenges in the Post-Jiang Era," GIGA Working Papers 18, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:gigawp:18
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael Wohlgemuth, 2002. "Evolutionary Approaches to Politics," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 55(2), pages 223-246, May.
    2. Carsten Herrmann-Pillath, 2005. "Culture, Economic Style and the Nature of the Chinese Economic System," Journal of Current Chinese Affairs - China aktuell, Institute of Asian Studies, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 34(2), pages 32-52.
    3. repec:bla:kyklos:v:55:y:2002:i:2:p:223-46 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Sebastian Heilmann & Nicole Schulte-Kulkmann & Lea Shih, 2004. ""Die Farbe der Macht hat sich geändert": Kontroversen um die Verfassungsreform in der VR China," Journal of Current Chinese Affairs - China aktuell, Institute of Asian Studies, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 33(1), pages 33-39.
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    Cited by:

    1. Frijters, Paul & Liu, Amy Y.C. & Meng, Xin, 2012. "Are optimistic expectations keeping the Chinese happy?," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 81(1), pages 159-171.
    2. Guriev, Sergei & Zhuravskaya, Ekaterina & Frijters, Paul & Liuy, Amy Y.C. & Mengz, Xin, 2009. "Happiness in transition countries [2 articles]," CEPREMAP Working Papers (Docweb) 0902, CEPREMAP.

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