Introduction
Sociology is the science that deals with societies. A society is composed of a group of people with shared norms, who usually live within one geographical or virtual boundary. Sociology studies various aspects of a society including its dynamics, structure, stratification and institutions. With increasing economic liberalisation and advancement in communication technology, societies are interacting and integrating globally. This global interaction makes it imperative to understand the society and institutional framework in other countries. The paper attempts to understand the profile of a country and its five key institutions, education, religion, government, family and economy.
China has been identified for this analysis, mainly, for three reasons. First, China is the most populous country of the world (Central Intelligence Agency, n.pag.). Second, it is the second largest economy in the world, based on its nominal gross domestic product (The Richest, n.pag.). Third, it has a rich and distinct cultural heritage, and is one of the most ancient civilizations. Given its size, diversity and heritage, China is a reasonable selection for this paper.
Education system is broadly divided into three categories, basic education, higher education and adult education (China Education and Research Network, n.pag.). China has a vast institution of education. The country’s education system is the largest in the world enrolling more than 20 million people in higher education (China Education Centre Limited, n.pag.). Influx of international students in higher education is also considerable in the country. This influx has been showing an increasing trend over the past few years. China strongly believes in the institution of education and has made it mandatory for children to undergo formal education for nine years. Adult education is also emphasised in the country and there are various schools that have been built specifically for adults. China also has the best technical education schools that offer courses on building technical expertise and skills.
China is officially an atheist nation, but also comprises of population that follows Taoism, Buddhism and other practices of living (Central Intelligence Agency, n.pag.). To promote the atheist way of living, the present government does not promote holding religious opinions, rituals and ceremonies. In fact, the government demotivates its party members to participate in religious gatherings. In spite of these restrictions, the members and their family do unofficially get involved in religious practices.
The People’s Republic of China was established in 1949 and the country celebrates its Independence Day on October 1 every year to mark this occasion (Central Intelligence Agency, n.pag.). The country is governed by a single party political system and no major opposition party exists, since its independence. Opposition is not practically entertained in the country and is dealt with ruthlessness. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the key political party supported by small independent political parties that are controlled by CCP (Central Intelligence Agency, n.pag.). The country's most senior decision-making body is the standing committee of the politburo that heads the power pyramid (BBC News, n.pag.). However, personal equations help command more power than political positions. The country is, thus, governed by influence and power rather than designated job profiles.
Gender and urban-rural inequalities exists in China and its impact is manifested in the form of disparity in familial ties and standards of living in the country. These disparities are primarily in terms of access to health care, education, infrastructure and other basic amenities. The country spends about 4.6% of its gross domestic product on health expenditure, but the urban areas are privileged in terms of access to these health care services (Central Intelligence Agency, n.pag.). China’s familial structure is in line with the global pattern of growing nuclear families. The society is maturing and families are more concerned about their quality of life than wealth creation.
Chinese economy is the fastest growing in the world and is emerging as a global economic power (The New York Times, n.pag.). Its growth is chiefly driven by its manufacturing sector. Exports are an integral part of the country’s growth story (The New York Times, n.pag.). Most of the companies are state-owned and the private sector is in the initial stages of development, post the recent efforts of economic integration and trade liberalisation. It is an attractive investment proposition for the multi-national companies given its rising consumerism and institution building.
The five major institutions of China, namely education, religion, government, family and economy significantly impact its societal dynamics. Increasing focus on education is helping form a society of informed and independent people. The inculcation of atheist way of living is also impacts the society significantly and helps in maintaining communal harmony. The economic growth coupled with trade liberalisation and infiltration of Western culture influences substantially affects the societal make-up and thought process of the people. But, the progress and empowerment of the society is being impaired, to a large extent, by their inability its inability to protest. The lack of opposition to the governing party and clout behaviour makes it difficult for common people to voice their opinion.
Works Cited
BBC News. “How China is Ruled”. News.bbc.co.uk, n.d.. Web. 23 Jul. 2012.
Central Intelligence Agency. “The World Factbook: Country Comparison, Population”. Cia.gov, 2012. Web. 23 Jul. 2012.
Central Intelligence Agency. “The World Factbook: East and South East Asia, China”. Cia.gov, 2012. Web. 23 Jul. 2012.
China Education and Research Network. “Education System in China”. Edu.cn, 2000. Web. 23 Jul. 2012.
China Education Centre Limited. “China Education”. Chinaeducenter.com, 2012. Web. 23 Jul. 2012.
The Richest. “The World’s Largest Economies, 2012. Therichest.org, 2012. Web. 23 Jul. 2012.
The New York Times. “Business and Economy in China”. Topics.nytimes.com, 23 Jul. 2012. Web. 23 Jul. 2012.
