The Changing Concept of Zhong (Loyalty): Emerging New Chinese Political Culture

Abstract

The chapter examines the role of loyalty, or zhong, in the dynamics of Chinese political culture. As political culture has transformed, so have traditional notions of zhong. As cultural changes effect as well as reflect changes in values, these transformations are traced through analysis of Mao's political campaigns & their influence on social structure, authority, & values. Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms effected another transformation of political culture & values. The chapter begins with a consideration of precommunist, traditional Chinese political culture, turning next to examine the impact of Mao's campaigns on rural & urban areas. The last section describes zhong in current political culture as it has been shaped by social & economic changes since Mao's death. 59 References. K. Coddon