Wong, Sam
(2007)
Partner or Pariah? Building Social Capital with Clan Associations in Hong Kong’.
Chinese Sociology and Anthropology, 40 (1).
pp. 54-71.
Text
Paper - Chinese sociology and anthropoloy (clan associations - partner or pariah) (updated).doc - Unspecified Download (171kB) |
Abstract
This paper questions the economic perspective of institutions and its uncritical approach to using local organisations and leaders. It argues that the instrumental approach of socially-embedded institutions for enhancing project efficiency and political legitimacy disregards the existing unequal structures of authority within communities. Drawing from Bourdieu’s notion of ‘symbolic power’, I argue that local elites make use of collective rituals and cultural symbols to legitimatise their rule. Reinvention of traditions also places the poor at a disadvantage because they lack sufficient knowledge to draw upon ‘community wisdom’ to make claims and counter-claims. The romanticisation of socially-embedded institutions also plays down the dark side. A high level of trust can reduce transparency, making nepotism possible. The livelihoods of the poor, being built upon these exploitative relationships, also hinder them from challenging the inequalities.
Item Type: | Article |
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Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
Date Deposited: | 20 Mar 2015 10:45 |
Last Modified: | 17 Dec 2022 01:18 |
URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/2008618 |