Quick questions on Inequality and the rural-urban divide explained: H2 China Studies

Chinese inequality has three principal dimensions. The first is the rural-urban divide: urban incomes are substantially higher than rural incomes, a gap entrenched by the hukou system, which denies migrants and rural residents equal access to urban services and opportunities. The second is the regional, coastal-interior gap: the coastal provinces, the focus of the opening-up strategy and the destination of foreign investment, grew far richer than the inland and western provinces, producing large disparities between regions. The third is the gap between rich and poor within both cities and countryside: a wealthy class of entrepreneurs, officials and professionals emerged alongside low-paid workers and migrants, with wealth especially concentrated.

The most accurate judgement is that inequality is among the most serious social challenges facing China and is genuinely dangerous to the regime, because it threatens legitimacy, stability and the Party's socialist claims, which is why it has prompted the "common prosperity" turn. But it is one of several major challenges, alongside demographic change and the environment, and it has been substantially contained by the rise in absolute living standards. Inequality is therefore a grave but managed challenge rather than an unambiguous, imminent threat.

Identify the three main dimensions of inequality in reform-era China. [4 marks]

Explain why inequality poses a threat to the Party's legitimacy. [12 marks]

"Rising living standards have made China's inequality politically harmless." How far do you agree? [20 marks]