From the Fringe to the Center: The Political Emergence of Private Entrepreneurs in China

Abstract

The emergence of private entrepreneurs in China, which is one of the most dramatic changes that China`s economic reforms have engendered, has largely been evaluated from an economic perspective. Most scholarly research on private entrepreneurs, dominated by whether they pursue democratic political change or not, underestimates the political impact of their emergence. In contrast, by examining the changes that have occurred in the political status of private entrepreneurs, this article suggests that their emergence is important politically, too. In the reform era, private entrepreneurs have increasingly pursued political representation, taking posts in various political organizations. In addition, they have developed their voice and asserted their interests by exploiting the political positions they hold. Playing an important role in the policy process and exerting influence over the policies and regulations that affect themselves, private entrepreneurs have moved from the fringe to the center of the Chinese political system.