China’s Middle Class: Definition and Evolution

I review and compare the two commonly used theoretical approaches to the definition of the middle classes: objective and subjective approaches. Between these two approaches, I determine which one is more suitable to our study of the new middle class in the unique socioeconomic context of contemporary China. Based on the chosen theoretical approach, I identify the new middle class by specific occupations and shed some light on the size of the middle class in urban China. Having identified the middle class, I illuminate the role of the Chinese party-state in creating this social class and shaping its sociopolitical traits during the post-Mao reforms in contemporary China. All these analyses are intended to address three important questions: Who is the middle class by modern standards in contemporary China? What are the socioeconomic and sociopolitical statuses of the middle class compared to other classes? How has the party-state created and shaped this social class?