NGO Strategies in an Authoritarian Context, and Their Implications for Citizenship: The Case of the PRC

• In Event: 436 - Regular Session. Non-Profit Organization: Resources, Growth, and Power

Abstract

This study argues that the characteristics and structures of NGOs in contemporary China are shaped by resource strategies developed in response to their ecology of opportunity. The study further examines how these characteristics and structures influence the construction and performance of citizenship in an authoritarian environment. This is aptly revealed in an analysis of NGOs operating across four cities – Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, and Nanjing– focusing on donor-dependency, state-dependency, and volunteer-dependency strategies. Regional variations looking at the construction and performance of citizenship will also be highlighted.

Authors

• Jennifer YJ Hsu, University of Alberta

• Carolyn L. Hsu, Colgate University