Community Engagement in Shanghai’s ‘Old residential redevelopment’ Project
Yang Zhao explores how China’s Party-state embeds itself in participation with neighborhood committees mediating interests in hybrid rules.
While participatory planning in the West emphasizes civil society, this framework does not fit China, where the Party-state blurs the boundary between state and society. Rather than standing apart, the Party-state immerses itself in civil society, creating a hybrid governance realm where participation is intertwined with Party logics. A case study of Shanghai’s neighborhood redevelopment illustrates that neighborhood committees act as dual agents: they carry Party authority while mediating community interests. By translating directives downward and channeling demands upward, these committees normalize the state's presence. Ultimately, Chinese participatory practices emerge not from civic autonomy but from the Party-state’s strategic incorporation of social actors to maintain stability, representing a distinct hybrid mode of governance.
Yang Zhao explores how China’s Party-state embeds itself in participation with neighborhood committees mediating interests in hybrid rules.
While participatory planning in the West emphasizes civil society, this framework does not fit China, where the Party-state blurs the boundary between state and society. Rather than standing apart, the Party-state immerses itself in civil society, creating a hybrid governance realm where participation is intertwined with Party logics. A case study of Shanghai’s neighborhood redevelopment illustrates that neighborhood committees act as dual agents: they carry Party authority while mediating community interests. By translating directives downward and channeling demands upward, these committees normalize the state's presence. Ultimately, Chinese participatory practices emerge not from civic autonomy but from the Party-state’s strategic incorporation of social actors to maintain stability, representing a distinct hybrid mode of governance.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Yang Zhao is a fourth-year PhD student at Bartlett School of Planning, University College London. Her research examines the transformation of urban redevelopment in China with a focus on changing governance practices. Her work contributes to broader discussions on urban political economy and the future of just and sustainable urban change.
ABOUT THE PGR WORKSHOPS
MCI’s PGR workshops are lunchtime seminars held in person at the Manchester China Institute. They seek to bring together students, faculty and staff who can best provide feedback as postgraduate researchers develop their ideas. Free lunch will be provided.
Accessibility
The MCI is a listed building and therefore does not have any lifts. Please note that you must use the stairs in order to access the venue and the toilets.
Photography
The organisers will be taking photos during this event. If you prefer not to be included in any photos, kindly inform the organisers before the event starts.
Good to know
Highlights
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- In person
Location
Manchester China Institute
178 Waterloo Place
University of Manchester Manchester M13 9PL
How do you want to get there?
