Agricultural Reform and Its Impact on Chinese Rural Families, 1978-1989
Author(s)
Zong, L.
Abstract
Mainland China’s agricultural reform was launched in 1978. The major content of this reform was the implementation of the system of contracted responsibilities on a family basis with payments linked to output to replace the people’s commune system established by Mao Zedong in 1958. The reform has accelerated China’s industrialization and urbanization, particularly the development of the rural economy, but it has also produced changes in the rural labour power and family relations. This paper analyzes some effects of agricultural reform on Chinese rural families, especially regarding production relations, income distribution, marriage, and family labour.
