"This book examines the various stages of Chiná'; s development, in the economic, social, and political fields, relating theories and models of development to what is actually occurring in China, and discussing how Chiná'; s development is likely to progress going forward. It argues that Chiná'; s modernization hitherto can be characterized as "authoritarian development" ́-- a fusion of mixed economic institutions of varying types of ownership with social stability and political cohesiveness ́-- and that the present phase, where more emphasis is being given to social issues, is likely to lead on to a new phase where a more mature civil society and a more extensive middle class are likely to look for greater democratization. It presents an in-depth analysis of Chiná'; s changing social structure and civil society, explores the forces for and processes of democratization, and assesses the prospects for further democratization in the light of changing social structures."--Provided by publisher