Description
Book SynopsisIn the mid-twentieth century, the remote prefecture of Liangshan was incorporated into China's new socialist society, bringing change to the Nuosu. This volume shows how economic development has prompted Nuosu entrepreneurs to establish business, political, and social relationships beyond the traditional social confines of the clan.
Trade Review"Make[s] important contributions to the existing perspectives on China's ethnic minorities not least for their new rich ethnographies and research findings. One . . . major input is the exploration of the 'big' questions on Chinese national identity, citizenship, and modernity from the perspective of ethnic minorities."
-- Elena Barabantseva * Asian Ethnicity *
"This book sheds new light on the dynamics of ethnic China by bringing attention to its enormous complexity and the impact of ethnic entrepreneurs on impoverished minority areas. This book will interest scholars and graduate students in China studies, Asian studies, ethnic studies, and social change."
* Journal of Anthropological Research *
"..A richly detailed and insightful study, bound to appeal to students of contemporary Chinese culture and society."
* The China Journal *
"The great strength of this book lies in its exploration of the idea of the 'ethnic entrepreneur' and his (or, very rarely in the case of the Nuosu, her) role in economic, social and cultural development. Heberer competently applies general theory on entrepreneurship and ethnicity to his case study of Liangshan, and the book should therefore find readers well beyond the clan of China specialists . . . . Thomas Heberer's work on the Nuosu is highly recommended."
* Pacific Affairs *
"Heberer's focus on Nuosu entrepreneurs as operating between two worlds yields interesting and unanticipated results concerning ethnicity and modernity. . . . Will be of interest to scholars in a wide range of fields—economics, politics, sociology, anthropology, and business. . . . A stimulating and original take on market development in China."
* China Quarterly *
Table of ContentsForeword by Stevan Harrell
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Liangshan and Its Entrepreneurs
1. Nuosu Traditional Culture and Social Change
2. The Liangshan Economic Setting and Private Entrepreneurs
3. Private Sector Development in Nine Liangshan Counties
4. Comparative Profiles of Nuosu and Han Entrepreneurs
5. The Effect of Entrepreneurs on Local Politics
6. Entrepreneurs and Social Change
7. Entrepreneurs and Ethnic Relations
8. Entrepreneurs and Ethnic Identity
Conclusion: The Influence of Nuosu Entrepreneurs
Notes
Bibliography
Index
