The Practice of Social Governance at the Local Level: Culture and Institutions
Rongrong Chen, Wei Lin, Huijie Li, Yanxia Xia
Abstract
This book investigates the complex interplay between cultural and institutional factors in grassroots social governance in China. Rooted in the national emphasis on modernizing primary-level governance systems, it explores how self-governance, the rule of law, and moral governance are locally integrated amid diverse regional and cultural contexts. Part one focuses on cultural dynamics, examining lineage culture transformations in Fujian, including museum reconstructions and ancestral hall litigation under legal reform. These studies highlight the tension and adaptation between tradition and formal institutions. Part two analyzes institutional dimensions, including the generation of poverty lists in Guizhou and policy ambiguities in housing reform for migrating agricultural populations. Both reveal the importance of local knowledge and context-sensitive policy execution. Across these case studies, the book demonstrates that effective grassroots governance relies not only on institutional design but also on culturally informed practices. The integration of local traditions with modern systems creates hybrid governance models that reflect both national directives and community agency. This dual emphasis on culture and institution offers valuable insights into China's broader project of social modernization and rural transformation.
Keywords
grassroots governance, lineage culture, institutional design, legal adaptation, cultural transformation, anti-poverty policy, housing policy, rural China, local knowledge, policy implementation