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Setting the Theoretical Scene

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NGOs and Accountability in China

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Abstract

Chapter two sets out the theoretical and conceptual framework that informs the research and analysis of accountability and participation in child welfare organisations in China. It begins by providing a review of relevant literature on accountability and legitimacy, noting the predominance of research related to democratic states and to government—citizen relations. It then explores the existing literature, albeit limited, on accountability and legitimacy in authoritarian states. The chapter highlights and combines theories that address the multidimensional nature of accountability, theories that link accountability with participation, and theories that throw light on systemic biases against the marginalised, vulnerable and poor in accountability. The chapter locates the discussion of accountability within a broader theoretical framework around processes of institutional change in authoritarian contexts, notably China.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of International Development, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK

    Jude Howell

  2. Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Xiaoyuan Shang

  3. Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Karen R. Fisher

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  1. Jude Howell
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  2. Xiaoyuan Shang
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  3. Karen R. Fisher
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Howell, J., Shang, X., Fisher, K.R. (2019). Setting the Theoretical Scene. In: NGOs and Accountability in China. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-90221-0_2

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