The Development of Grassroots Chinese NGOs Following the Wenchuan Earthquake of 2008: Three Case Studies, Four Modi Vivendi

Yi Kang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)
2 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Many analysts consider 2008 to have been “NGO year zero” for China, as the relief and reconstruction process following the Wenchuan earthquake witnessed a significant surge in NGO activity. This study traces the development trajectory of three NGOs in Y City over the eight years since the area was severely struck by the Wenchuan earthquake. These NGOs actively assisted in the post-disaster recovery. By the time the reconstruction was complete, they had translated their distinct resources, development plans, and relationships with local government into different approaches to helping the local community. This study proposes an interactive model that captures the nuanced dynamics over time on both sides of the NGO–local government relationships. The model focuses on variations in NGOs’ orientations and bargaining power. This yields a matrix with four elementary types of relationship: “parent-–child,” “mercantile,” “predator–prey,” and alienated relationships. These interaction patterns and their effects are clearly seen in the case studies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1648-1672
Number of pages25
JournalVoluntas
Volume28
Issue number4
Early online date6 Feb 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2017

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Business and International Management
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Public Administration
  • Strategy and Management

User-Defined Keywords

  • China
  • Disaster management
  • NGO development
  • Wenchuan earthquake

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