Approaching Maturity: The Role of Knowledge and Professionalization in the Development of Chinese NGOs

• In Event: 278 - Regular Session. Building and Transforming Civil Society

Abstract

This article suggests that Chinese NGOs do not believe they are part of an emerging or established epistemic community, that is, a community of experts. Drawing from fieldwork conducted in four large Chinese cities, Chongqing, Kunming, Nanjing and Shanghai, the study suggests that gathering information and developing a knowledge base is not the dominant tactic NGOs utilize to inform and influence state policy. Rather, establishing direct relations with relevant government authorities is the preferred tactic to influence policy deliberation and action. Having close ties with government authorities will serve to benefit individual NGOs, but is likely to undermine the development of the NGO sector as a whole.

Authors

• Jennifer YJ Hsu, University of Alberta

• Reza Hasmath, Oxford University