Soc 428: Contemporary China Lecture 13: Minorities in China Yu Xie The University of Michigan

Nationalities  Chinese government officially recognizes 56 ethnic groups -- nationalities.  The term “nationality” was coined by the Communist government, under the influence of the Soviet Union.  Interchangeable with “ethnic groups.”

No Single Criterion  There is no single criterion for defining ethnic minorities in China.  “Han” nationality for the majority is a modern creation – a residual, inclusive, pan-Chinese category.  It’s defined as not being “others” -- minorities.

What are “Others”  “Others” are defined in terms of cultural, linguistic, and religious differences.  Confucian view of the world is Sino- centric.  Traditionally, what was the official, derogative description of non-Chinese?  Non-Chinese are considered as “barbarians” – uncultured human beings.

“Barbarians”  Traditionally, there were three groups of “barbarians:” northern barbarians, southern barbarians, and western barbarians.  Since the Opium War, there were “western foreign barbarians” and “eastern foreign barbarians”.

Racism in China  The notion of “barbarians” is racist, disguised in cultural terms.  Traditional thinking believes in the ultimate superiority of Chinese culture and treats other cultures as inferior.  Qing’s own governing practice accepted this.

Skin Color  Does skin tone matter in China?  Yes, skin tone matters. Dark and coarse skin is associated with manual work and lower class. White and smooth skin is associated with leisure and upper class.  This distinction gains additional significance in a global context.  Racial/ethnic discrimination is rampant.

Tributary State System  Definition: a “state” (tributary) acknowledges its subordinate position by sending a regular token of submission (tribute) to the superior power.

Territory of Chinese Empire  Hard to define, as state is a modern concept.  Two types of territories: (1) Governed by officials appointed by the imperial court. Officials are subject to “Law of Avoidance.” At the heart of China: thus, the Middle Kingdom. (2) Governed by local elites who admit subordination to the emperor in exchange for protection. On the periphery of China.

Map of Han China

Preservations of the Two Types: Autonomous Regions and Autonomous Districts

Major Ethnic Groups by Pop Size Han1,230,117,207 Zhuang16,178,811 Manchu10,682,263 Hui9,816,802 Miao8,940,116 Uyghurs8,399,393 Tujia8,028,133 Yi7,762,286 Mongols5,813,947 Tibetan5,416,021

Where Do Minorities Live?

Socioeconomic Differences by Nationality in China  With few exceptions (e.g., Manchu, Korean), most minorities in China face social/economic disadvantages as compared to Han.  A large part of this disadvantage however is regional (recall discussion on regional disparity).

Han’s Movement to Minority Regions  Government and associated establishments.  Forced migration and settlements.  Currently, labor and trade migration.  Han is taking up a larger and larger share of the local population, especially among the economic elite.  This creates ethnic tensions.

Economic Exchanges  The Chinese west (where minorities live) is rich in natural resources. State-owned companies exploit them.  Central government is also giving large sums of money as subsidies to the west.  Is this a fair trade?  Who benefits?

Nationality Dilemma  China tries to maintain national unity with economic development.  With development, resentments against social inequality often take on an ethnic tone in minority regions.

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Ethnic Differences in Enrollment Emily Hannum reports a large gap in school enrollment between Han and minority ethnic groups. Not all ethnic minority groups in China have a disadvantage in education. Which groups do better than Han?

Do Minority Children Differ from Han Children in Family Characteristics?  Family background also plays an important role in determining children’s enrollment rates.  Ethnic minorities tend to live in the least developed parts of China.  Minority parents have less education.  Minority children also have access to fewer material resources in their homes than Han children.  Minority children live in households with more children.