Guanxi, How China Works

How do social relations, orguanxi, matter in China today and how can this distinctive form of personal connection be better understood? InGuanxi: How China Works, Yanjie Bian analyzes the forms, dynamics, and impacts ofguanxirelations in reform-era China, and shows them to be a crucial part of the puzzle of how Chinese society operates. Rich in original studies and insightful analyses, this concise book offers a critical synthesis ofguanxiresearch, including its empirical controversies and theoretical debates. Bian skillfully illustrates the growing importance ofguanxiin diverse areas such as personal network building, employment and labor markets, informal business relationships, and the broader political sphere, highlightingguanxi's central value in China's contemporary social structure. A definitive statement on the topic from a top authority on the sociology ofguanxi, this book is an excellent classroom introduction for courses on China, a useful reference forguanxiresearchers, and ideal reading for anyone interested in Chinese culture and society.