Ethno-Political Conflicts in China: Toward Building Interethnic Harmony

Abstract

(from the chapter) Jia et al. discuss the historical treatment of ethnic minorities in China and examine governmental policies that have been implemented to create equality and autonomy. An analysis of both the positive and negative effects of these policies follows. The authors recognize that the current model requires change and offer suggestions to improve policy and enhance ethnic tolerance. Detailed discussion regarding the current governmental policies describes a country providing for ethnic minorities through regional autonomy, protection of diversity, affirmative action in education, and political equality. Jia, Lee and Zhang, however, point out some existent realities. There is a noticeable lack of ethnic minorities in positions of political power. Economic disparity is escalating due to the designation of regional resources to the nation's GDP without benefit to the minority local residents. The Chinese government has increased education to ethnic minorities, but the manner in which it is provided suggests the presence of Han-Chinese ethnocentrism. The authors note that education providers are required to utilize standard national curriculum, and teaching most often occurs in the Mandarin Chinese language. Evidence is presented reflecting intensifying ethnic conflict in the form of recent riots which targeted specific ethnic groups. Posited causes for this escalating conflict include resentment created by the programs the government has implemented in order to increase opportunities to ethnic minorities. Suggestions for improving cultural relations are delineated and include increasing communication through dialog, education about minorities, and bilingual language fluency. Knowledge of multiculturalism is suggested as an important requirement for all individuals who work in the government ethnic affairs offices. The authors call for grass-roots, bottom-up movements similar to those in the USA. The need for dual identity labels is presented as a method through which to reinforce shared Chinese identity while recognizing ethnic diversity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)