Abstract

This thesis provides an historical and theoretical review of recent political, social and economic developments in China, and analyzes China's possible movement to a free market economy. The thesis is grounded in the assumptions and approach taken by Marxist scholars, who view China as taking a market approach to socialism. The determinants of socialism in China are reviewed and analyzed, and an empirical investigation of social trends is provided in support of a socioeconomic determinism thesis that socioeconomic factors will influence political change in support of incremental, rather than revolutionary movement, to a free market economy. The rise of an expatriate bourgeoisie with enduring and strong nationalist ties to China; a slow but nonetheless incremental reliance on foreign currency for Chinese development; a growing interest in western consumerism; and the need to revitalize stagnant bureaucratic structures to meet the demands of changes brought about by new socioeconomic influences on China, are all factors which are identified as contributing to the incremental development of a free market economy in China.