Analysis of 基层乡村治理中的责任共同体——从 “上面千条线 ” 到 “上面千把刀 ”
This article, written byHe Xuefeng, a prominent scholar in rural governance, provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of rural governance in China since the implementation of the household responsibility system.He argues that the shift from above a thousand lines to above a thousand knives reflects a fundamental change in the relationship between higher-level governments and rural communities, leading to a responsibility community that differs significantly from the previous interest community.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
1. Historical Stages of Rural Governance:
- Pre-Agricultural Tax Abolition (1980-2006): Characterized by a focus on tax collection and family planning, with a strong emphasis on achieving targets. This period saw the emergence of a rural interest community where local officials and villagers collaborated tomaximize their collective benefits, often through coercive means.
- Post-Agricultural Tax Abolition to the 18th Party Congress (2006-2012): Marked by a reduction in rural officials and a shift towards a more hands-off approach. This period saw a decline inthe provision of basic public goods due to the lack of financial resources and the weakening of local government involvement.
- Post-18th Party Congress (2012-Present): Witnessing a significant increase in government funding and intervention in rural areas. This period has seen the emergence of a rural responsibility communitywhere local officials are under immense pressure to meet performance targets set by higher-level governments, leading to a focus on form over substance and a decline in genuine grassroots governance.
2. The Shift from 千条线 to 千把刀:
- The metaphor above a thousand lines represents acollaborative and consultative approach to rural governance, where higher-level governments provide guidance and support to local officials.
- The metaphor above a thousand knives signifies a shift towards a more top-down and punitive approach, where local officials are held accountable for achieving specific targets, often through strict performance evaluations and potential sanctions.
3. The Consequences of the Responsibility Community:
- Increased pressure on local officials to meet targets, leading to a focus on form over substance and a rise in bureaucratic red tape.
- A decline in genuine grassroots governance as local officials prioritize fulfilling directives from higher-level governments.
- A potential disconnect between theneeds of rural communities and the priorities of higher-level governments.
4. Solutions for Improving Rural Governance:
- Limiting the power of departments and allowing for greater autonomy at the local level.
- Shifting the focus from performance targets to the actual needs of rural communities.
- Promoting a more collaborative and participatory approachto rural governance.
Overall, the article highlights the complex challenges facing rural governance in China. The shift from 千条线 to 千把刀 has significantly impacted the relationship between higher-level governments and rural communities, leading to a responsibility community that can be detrimental to effective grassroots governance. By addressing theissues raised in the article, policymakers can work towards creating a more sustainable and equitable system for rural development in China.
Further Research:
- Examining the specific mechanisms and policies that have contributed to the shift from 千条线 to 千把刀.
- Analyzing the impact ofthe responsibility community on different rural communities across China.
- Exploring potential solutions for empowering local officials and fostering genuine grassroots governance.
Note: This analysis is based on the information provided in the article and the author’s expertise in rural governance. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex dynamics of rural governance inChina.
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