Affiliations: Faculty of Arts and Sciences, The Hong Kong Institute
of Education, Hong Kong, China | Center for Public Administration Research and School
of Government and Sun Yat-sen Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-Sen
University, China
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Ka Ho Mok, Faculty of Arts and
Sciences, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, 10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, New
Territories, Hong Kong, China. Tel.: +852 29487322; Fax: +852 29487127; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Objective: The major objective of this article is to critically
examine changes in social stratification and social mobility of the peasant
workers in the post-Mao period, with particular reference to examine whether
and how the selected peasant workers in Dongguan city in South China have
asserted themselves in protecting their labour rights. Methods: The present studies is based upon intensive policy and documentary analysis,
in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and survey in getting first-hand
data from conducting fieldwork in China. Participants: Migrant workers in Dongguan city in South China. Results: Although peasant workers are
becoming more concerned with their economic and social rights, they have not
attempted to organize themselves as organized social organizations in
protecting their own interests. Despite the fact that peasant workers may have
a greater awareness of the interests as a social group, such a consciousness
has not been developed into a distinct class identity. Conclusions: Without a distinct class identity, coupled with a lack of organized social
forces in asserting their class interests, peasant workers have not formed
themselves into an organized social class right now, especially as many of them
still consider themselves having a peasant status instead of obtaining a new
citizenship associated with working in urban China.
