Collectivization and class status Rural society in China

the first major action alter village society land reform of late 1940s , 1950s, in party sent work teams every village carry out land reform policy. in unprecedented display of administrative , political power. land reform had several related goals. work teams redistribute (though not all) land wealthier families or land-owning trusts poorest segments of population , effect more equitable distribution of basic means of production; overthrow village elites, might expected oppose party , programs; recruit new village leaders among demonstrated commitment party s goals; , teach think in terms of class status rather kinship group or patron-client ties.

in pursuit of last goal, party work teams convened extensive series of meetings, , classified village families either landlords, rich peasants, middle peasants, or poor peasants. these labels, based on family landholdings , overall economic position between 1945 , 1950, became permanent , hereditary part of every family s identity and, late 1980, still affected, example, such things chances admission armed forces, colleges, universities, , local administrative posts , marriage prospects.

the collectivization of agriculture completed establishment of people s communes in 1958. communes large, embracing scores of villages. intended multipurpose organizations, combining economic , local administrative functions. under commune system household remained basic unit of consumption, , differences in standards of living remained, although not marked had been before land reform. under such system, however, upward mobility required becoming team or commune cadre or obtaining scarce technical position such being truck driver.