Why the Chinese government has embraced morality councils
A new way to keep villagers in line
IN THE VILLAGE of Anbang in Yunnan, a south-western province, people of social stature are heaving a sigh of relief. In the past, what a delicate matter it was to point out bad behaviour among residents. There was etiquette to consider, and the risk of causing offence. Recently, however, Anbang has set up a “moral review council” to praise the worthy and criticise the errant. The local government says the mood has changed. Now the village elite can use these meetings to exercise their “right to speak”.
This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline “Name and shame”
From the May 7th 2022 edition
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