Beyond Coercion
The Politics of Inequality in China

Advances the concept of political atomization to explain mechanisms of social control used by the Chinese state.

Alexsia T. Chan (Author)

9781009355636, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 12 June 2025

214 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.3 cm, 0.46 kg

Beyond Coercion offers a new perspective on mechanisms of social control practiced by authoritarian regimes. Focusing on the Chinese state, Alexsia T. Chan presents an original theory and concept of political atomization, which explains how the state maintains social control and entrenches structural inequality. Chan investigates why migrant workers in China still lack access to urban public services despite national directives to incorporate them into cities, reported worker shortages, and ongoing labor unrest. Through a meticulous analysis of the implementation of policies said to expand workers' rights, she shows how these policies often end up undermining their claims to benefits. The book argues that local governments provide public services for migrants using a process of political individualization, which enables the state to exercise control beyond coercion by atomizing those who might otherwise mobilize against it. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.

1. Inequality and the autocrat's toolbox
2. A theory of political atomization
Part I. Public Services as Social Control: 3. Deflecting migrant workers
4. Demobilizing migrant workers
Part II. Migrant workers blunting control
5. Playing with institutional leeway
6. Making do and muddling through
7. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Constitution: government & the state [JPHC]