Political interest in rural southern Jiangsu province in China

Abstract

This is a study of political interest of Chinese peasantry based on a public opinion survey conducted in rural southern Jiangsu province in China. It is very clear from our descriptive findings that Chinese peasants in southern Jiangsu showed a high level of political interest and attention to public affairs. Economic growth and prosperity have not diverted people attention away from politics. In addition, findings from this study also show that age, gender, education and perceived economic status are important determinants for level of political interest in rural southern Jiangsu province. These findings are similar to results of earlier studies in non-Chinese settings and urban China, which means that these patterns are not uniquely western and may persist across cultural, political and geographic divides.