Understanding Contemporary China, 4th Edition (Understanding Introductions to the States and Regions of the Contemporary World)

The New Edition Of Understanding Contemporary China Has Been Thoroughly Revised To Reflect A Half-decade Of Significant Events And Trends, Both Domestically And In The International Arena. The Result Is An Accessible, Well-grounded Exploration Of The Most Crucial Issues Affecting China Today. The Authors Assume No Prior Knowledge On The Part Of The Reader, Making The Book A Perfect Choice For Interdisciplinary Introduction To China Courses, As Well As For Courses In Political Science And Sociology. Numerous Maps And Photographs Enhance The Text. Introduction / Robert E. Gamer -- China: A Geographic Preface / Stanley W. Toops -- The Historical Context / Rhoads Murphey -- Chinese Politics / Robert E. Gamer -- China's Economy / Sarah Y. Tong And John Wong -- China Beyond The Heartland / Robert E. Gamer -- International Relations / Robert E. Gamer -- Population Growth And Urbanization / Ma Rong -- China's Environmental Problems / Richard Louis Edmonds -- Family, Kinship, Marriage, And Sexuality / Zang Xiaowei -- Women And Development / Laurel Bossen -- Religion / Chan Hoiman And Ambrose Y.c. King -- Literature And Popular Culture / Charles A. Laughlin -- Trends And Prospects / Robert E. Gamer. Edited By Robert E. Gamer. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Introduces contemporary China from the perspectives of a number of disciplines, for students with little prior knowledge of the country. Some topics covered, such as geography, history, politics, and religion, are essential components of any introduction to China. Other subjects, such as discussions of the environment, roles and problems of women, sexuality, and popular culture, are important topics often ignored in introductory works. All chapters give historical overviews along with discussion of current events This new edition has been thoroughly revised to reflect a half-decade of significant events and trends, both domestically and in the international arena. The result is an accessible, well-grounded exploration of the most crucial issues affecting China today.