The Politics of Wage Policy in Post-Revolutionary China (Studies on the Chinese Economy)

Presents an analysis of the political processes involved in China's wage policy. Akio Takahara illuminates the political conflicts and interests among national policy makers, local authorities, grassroots units and various socio-economic groups, and identifies constraints on wage reform. Front Matter....Pages i-xxxiii The Politics of Wage Policy in Socialist Development: An Introduction....Pages 1-8 Introduction of the Soviet-style Wage System, 1948–55....Pages 9-24 Wage Reform, 1956....Pages 25-40 Development of the ‘Rational Low Wage System’, 1957–76....Pages 41-64 A Period of Transition, 1977–78: Wage Adjustment and the Revival of Piece-rates and Bonuses....Pages 65-77 Wage Adjustment, 1979–80, and Enterprise Profit Retention Policy, 1979–Spring 1981....Pages 78-100 Economic Responsibility Systems in Industry, Spring 1981–November 1982....Pages 101-123 Tax for Profit, Floating Wages and the Abolition of Bonus Ceilings, November 1982–October 1984....Pages 124-142 Intra-unit Conflicts and Organisation of Workers’ Interests, November 1982–1985....Pages 143-156 The New Wage Reform: The Structural Wage System and the So-called ‘Set Reform of Wages’ (Gongzi Taogai), Late 1984–1985....Pages 157-176 Conclusion....Pages 177-184 Back Matter....Pages 185-257