How has Chinese society transformed since the end of the Mao era? This review essay examines research on class stratification, socioeconomic inequalities, and social mobility in the People's Republic of China since 1980. The research reveals a shift from a rigid status hierarchy under Mao to a more open, evolving class system in the post-Mao period. Socioeconomic inequalities have also been altered. State redistributive inequalities are giving way to patterns increasingly shaped by individual and group success in a growing market-oriented economy. Empirical studies have focused on occupational prestige, income distribution, housing and consumption, and gender inequality. Furthermore, occupational mobility, once a rare opportunity, has become a reality for many Chinese due to the emergence of labor markets. Research on status attainment, career mobility, and employment processes reveals both stability and change in the social mobility landscape. While research output is richer for urban China, the essay notes that more profound transformations have occurred in rural areas. This review provides valuable insights into the evolving social structure of China and the factors shaping individual opportunities in a rapidly changing society.
As a review of sociological research, this essay is a good fit for the Annual Review of Sociology. By focusing on social stratification and mobility in China, the review provides a broad overview of key trends and research findings in a major area of sociological inquiry, offering valuable insights for researchers in the field.