The Economist (US), May 24th, 2003
A bit of luxury, but not too much
The aim is to be moderately well-off
THE fashionable new slogan in China is xiaokang shehui, or "moderately well-off society". Well, it is not that new. The xiaokang concept dates back at least 2,500 years to Confucius, and possibly earlier, but has been given new life by the Communist Party. It denotes a middle-class level of prosperity at which basic needs are comfortably met, with a bit to spare besides. The slogan is being pressed into political service by a regime that needs desperately to convince its people that it cares about their welfare. The phr...
HighBeam Research, Free Preview: 'Confucius and the party line; China.(China and Confucius)'... Full Membership required for unlimited access. Free 7-day trial.
Subscribers: HighBeam content is only available to HighBeam subscribers. Click the link above for more information.
