An emerging civil society: the impact of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake on grass-roots associations in China

In: The China journal: Zhongguo yan jiu, Heft 65, S. 181-194

Abstract

Studies have shown that crises such as natural disasters have been a catalyst for civil society in places like Japan, Turkey and Taiwan, yet scholars have so far paid little attention to the effect of crises on civil society in China. This article fills a gap in this literature by examining the 2008 Sichuan earthquake's impact on grassroots civic associations (or NGOs for short) in China. Drawing on survey data and interviews with NGOs involved with the Sichuan earthquake response and reconstruction, it shows that the earthquake provided an important catalyst for a previously quiescent NGO community. It discusses several areas in which the earthquake impacted NGOs that may translate into long-term gains for civil society in China. First, the earthquake created an unprecedented opportunity for NGOs to participate, network and show their worth on a public stage that received the attention and appreciation of the media and government officials. Second, it led to the emergence of NGO networks that drew in other actors such as the media, international NGOs, government-organized NGOs (GONGOs) and even government officials. Finally, it has stimulated ongoing public debates over, and pressures to change, the restrictive fundraising and policy environment for NGOs. These findings show that civil society development is not simply a function of government policy or international funding, but also of large-scale crises that expand the public space and need for NGOs. (China J/GIGA)