Graduated Controls

Abstract

On the basis of a large number of empirical observations, this article explores the state-society relationship in contemporary China. Through an examination of the actual state controls over a great many organizations, this article proposes the concept of a “system of graduated controls.” In this system, the state, in its own interests, exerts various control strategies over different types of social organizations according to the capacities of the social organizations to challenge the state and the value of the public goods they provide. After comparing this system with other types of state-society relationships, this article concludes that the system of graduated controls is an ideal type that best characterizes the state-society relationship of contemporary China.