Non-Governmental Organizations and the Students’ Nutritional Lunch in China’s Rural Area: A Comparative Perspective

• Main Authors: Ji-liang Liu, 劉積亮
• Other Authors: Teh-chang Lin
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/h5zj7s

博士 === 國立中山大學 === 中國與亞太區域研究所 === 102 === The 21st century sees the emergence and blossoming of the Non-governmental organization (NGO) sector in Mainland China. Some observers believe this could alter the relation between state and society and lead to the emergence of a civil society. However, the argument purporting the independence of NGOs is rather short of convincing evidences. Instead, many NGOs seek to cooperate with government for further development. Based on two case studies of NGOs’ attendance in student nutritional lunch project, this research attempts to explain the relationship between NGOs and the government in public services. The failure of the government to provide public services, gave NGOs more leverages and political space. Through systematic comparison between governmentowned NGO (GONGO) and grassroots NGO in attending rural public service, this research illustrates the different roles and functions between these two. On one hands, GONGOs-government relationship is not entirely dependent. They still try to pursue their own profits and even try to influence the state policies. On the other hand, grassroots NGOs can gain great achievement in particular topics with the aid of Internet development. However, grassroots NGOs seldom attempt to challenge the government, and often help it solve serious problems. The research demonstrates that there is a mutually reinforcing mechanism between state and society in Mainland China. State imposes restrictions on the development of NGOs. As intermediaries, NGOs are designed to coordinate the relationship between state and society. Yet, with the differentiation and diversification of public interests, the state’s ability to control NGOs is gradually restricted.