This book places the topic of the state and society in the context of modern development in China over the past century, investigating the dynamic relation and internal tension between the state’s power enhancement and society’s vitality activation instead of simply regarding the country and society as two separate entities. Building a modern country and activating the people’s vitality involves three closely linked and mutually supporting aspects: establishing the identity recognition of the people to unite the nation; adjusting the organizational system of the society to promote mobilization and institute a social incentive system; and determining dominant strategies and means for the interaction between the country and society to address social-governance issues. This book carefully sheds light on the logic behind China’s roundabout strategy for building a modern country and motivating the vitality of its people.

Gao Yong, assistant researcher of National Institute of Social Development of Chinese Academy of Social Science, who was granted the doctoral degree by Peking University in 2008. He lays his research emphasis on the social leveling and mobility, civic awareness and social engagement. His representative theses include Mobility of Social Barriers: Investigation on Inter-generation Mobility against the Background of Structural Transition, Why Status Recognition Declines: and on the Transition of Status Recognition Basis, etc.

Wu Ying, assistant researcher of National Institute of Social Development of Chinese Academy of Social Science, who was granted the doctoral degree by Peking University in 2009. She lays her research emphasis on the social management and basic-level governance, community development, and urbanization issues and housing policies. Her representative theses include “Visible” and “Invisible” Countries at Basic Society, Analysis on Satisfaction and Impact Factors of Guarantee Houses, The Constructive Significance of Homeowners’ Rightful Protest in China, etc.