by Tianjian Shi (East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore)

Until recently, generational studies of Communist countries have concentrated primarily on elite changes. Little attention has been paid to the changes within the general public. This study is designed to fill this gap. It reports on: (1) the socio-economic resources of different generations, especially their educational achievements; (2) the psychological resources for people in different generations to get involved in politics; (3) their political resources; and (4) their political participation. The text concludes with an appraisal of the changes among different generations that would help the reader to understand the changes in Chinese society.