11. The Role of Guanxi

Abstract

This chapter explores the characteristics of emerging environmental movement organizations in China, and more specifically the role of guanxi – or personal networks – in Chinese environmental activism. While organizational networks of environmental NGOs are still weak in Chinese environmental activism, personal networks of environmental activists are instrumental in building the first sprouts of a green civil society. We explore this via an in-depth case study of relatively successful environmental activism to halt the construction of a number of hydro-electric projects on the Nu River. The case study illustrates that in China, more so than in western countries, informal personal networks, rather than formal organizational networks, play a crucial role in the organization and success of contemporary environmental campaigns. This is partly explained by the immature environmental movement, and partly by the specifics of Chinese social networks.

Citation

Xie, L. and Mol, A.P.J. (2006), "11. The Role of Guanxi", McCright, A.M. and Nichols Clark, T. (Ed.) Community and Ecology (Research in Urban Policy, Vol. 10), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 269-292. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1479-3520(06)10011-2