More Fair, More Contentious: A Case from Formalizing Grassroots China

• In Event: 152 - Section on Altruism, Morality and Social Solidarity Paper Session. Open Topic on Section on Altruism, Morality and Social Solidarity

Abstract

The link between fairness perception and action has been mostly studied by psychology. I introduce a sociological approach that incorporates contextual factors and differentiates between the cultural resources dominating perceptions from those supporting action. Perception and action are captured with two vignettes on pre- and post- formalization public school access procedures in China. Drawing on in-depth interview responses to the vignettes and field observation, I demonstrate that universalistic fairness ideas support an overwhelmingly favorable fairness perception of formalization, while paternalistic state fairness ideas emerge to support increased contentious action after formalization. The disjuncture between fairness perception and action is best understood culturally in the context of changing institutional configurations.

Author

• Fangsheng Zhu, Harvard University