Based on extensive research, this book makes a novel contribution to the study of citizenship by examining how individuals at the margins of Chinese society deal with state efforts to transform them into model citizens.

nature of citizenship in China overall.
Drawing on a diverse array of theories and methods from anthropology, sociology, education, political science, cultural studies and development studies, Chinese Citizenship presents fresh perspectives and highlights the often devastating consequences that citizenship distinctions can have on Chinese lives.

'This volume provides fresh insights into some fascinating questions. Through a wide assortment of rich case studies, its sheds new light on current understandings of changing, contested, and often conflictual conceptions of citizenship in the post-Mao period.' - China Journal 'In sum, the authors not only provide detailed information about neglected but important subjects, but also leave the reader with ample food for thought about the quest for modernity and prosperity both in China, and around the world.' - China Journal 'This edited volume of papers from a conference at Cambridge University fills a notable gap in addressing citizenship in China from the perspective of those at the margins of society, exploring particularly the question of how "cutural citizenship" conditions access to social goods...With its focus on those struggling to keep up in China's rush to "modernity," the Fong and Murphy book points toward stimulating new directions for further research on citizenship.' - Sophia Woodman, Pacific Affairs, Vol. 80, No. 3, Fall 2007