What is the hierarchy in China?

Sources:

The hierarchy in China is multifaceted, encompassing political, educational, and social dimensions.

  1. Political Hierarchy: China is governed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), with a strong centralized control under leaders like Xi Jinping, who can now serve as president for life due to constitutional changes. The political hierarchy also reflects a "Confucian family" structure, where the common good is prioritized over individualism 1 2.

  2. Educational Hierarchy: The Chinese education system is highly competitive and hierarchical. Admission to top universities like Tsinghua and Peking University (Beida) is determined by the gaokao exam, which is incredibly rigorous and culturally significant. Achieving high scores on this exam is a matter of great prestige 3 4.

    China's Dialectic

    Ray discusses China's approach to reconciling communism and the market economy through the idea of a dialectic, which aims to balance the benefits and drawbacks of two opposites. He also highlights the difference between the American approach, which prioritizes individualism, and the Chinese approach, which prioritizes the common good.
    Lex Fridman Podcast
    Ray Dalio: Money, Power, and the Collapse of Empires | Lex Fridman Podcast #251
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

  3. Bureaucratic and Social Status: Historically, government officials have held the highest social positions, a tradition that continues today. Being a civil servant is highly attractive due to job stability and social status. This is evidenced by the millions who take the annual civil service exams 5. Additionally, a subset known as the "red aristocracy" enjoys distinct privileges by virtue of their lineage, including access to separate schools and hospitals 2.

These hierarchical structures reflect a blend of historical traditions, modern governance, and socio-economic factors unique to China.

RELATED QUESTIONS