The Central Government and Interest Groups: Labor Reform in Post-Mao China (1978-1995)

Abstract

Why is it that the central government has been unable to bring about the society-wide development of a labor market? In the paper, it is found that despite labor reforms of 1978 to 1995, due to the interests and actions of local governments, workers and managers, the central government has not successfully formulated and implemented employment reforms. One important limit to the artonomy of the central government is the fear of negative reactions of workers.