New Developments in Chinese Civil Society
Dissent, networks and participation

Organisers:
Chloé Froissart (CEFC), Anthony J. Spires (CUHK),
Cecilia Chan (HKU)

Venue: Social Sciences Chamber, HKU, Jockey Club Tower

Date: Oct 30-31

Closed conference

Introduction:

Relying on most recent fieldwork data on NGOs, lawyer associations, voluntarism and gay activism, this conference will explore three new trends in Chinese civil society development. First, the rise of dissension, namely among lawyers. Second, the development of horizontal networks and cooperation. Third, the rise of new forms of participation at the social, professional and political levels. Are the first two trends pointing at a rising “social movement”? If so, how should it be articulated with participation, which presupposes the recognition of a regime’s basic political principles and hints at the creation of new, (semi) institutionalized channels for the expression of interests? What do these seemingly contradictory developments tell us about the growing pluralization of Chinese civil society and the way the regime is changing from within?