Social Stratification in Contemporary China

This book examines how China’s social structure has evolved in the context of rapid economic transformation. Focusing on the widening gap between rich and poor, it analyzes how government‑led reforms and equity‑oriented resource allocation policies shape social outcomes. A central theme is the rise of China’s middle class—its size, lifestyle, and growing influence on social stability and economic development.

By comparing China’s emerging middle class with those in advanced economies, the book shows how this group serves as a stabilizing force in modern societies. It argues that China’s expanding middle-income population will help slow the deepening of inequality and support the transition toward an “olive-shaped” social structure. The book also proposes five key measures to address persistent challenges in resource distribution. In closing, it reflects on major contributions to the study of social stratification in China since the late 1990s, summarizing significant academic findings and trends in this field.