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Finds that a new system of social stratification is emerging in rural China as a result of economic reforms, that is far less equal than what preceeded it. As part of this trend, wealth inequality has increased, markedly in a short period of time. A relatively equal distribution of land has prevented furher inequality an dblocked the rise of a landed elite.However what has emerged is a "worker elite", mainly concentrated in cooperative enterprises in the coastal provinces and in richer provinces. Also both cadres and officials, on the one hand, and owners and managers of enterprises, on the other hand, have measurably improved their position in the social structure. Memebrship in the communist party per se and level of education are less influential than before in determining one's social position [author]
