Understanding Contemporary China

"Understanding Contemporary China" offers students a readable, well-grounded exploration of the most crucial issues affecting China today. It is hoped that the book will be used effectively in a wide variety of discipline-oriented curriculums. Assuming no prior knowledge on the part of the reader, the book begins with an overview of China’s geography and cultural history. The authors then provide thorough analyses not only of the country’s politics, economy, and international relations, but also of demographic trends, environmental problems, family patterns, the role of women in development, and religion and cultural expression. Each chapter provides historical context, and each topic is covered with reference to the latest available scholarship. All of the chapters in this second edition have been fully revised and updated to reflect the rapid pace of change in China. Numerous maps and photographs enhance the text. -Amazon.com