First Published in 1965. This short monograph is the first result of the author's decision in 1959 to study the Chinese economy. This came about as they were appointed to join a group of economists with the shared goal of examining the modern problems of Asian countries. The aim of the essay is to outline one of the many real problems encountered by the Chinese Government in carrying through a social and economic revolution in the countryside.

Kenneth R. Walker Lecturer in Economics, School of Oriental and African Studies University of London

Part 1 The Background to Socialisation; Chapter 1 The Socialisation of Chinese Agriculture: Timing and Institutions; Part 2 The Economic Significance of the Private Sector of Agriculture; Chapter 2 The Economic Significance of the Private Sector of Agriculture to the Peasants; Chapter 3 The Economic Significance of the Private Sector of Agriculture to the Government; Part 3 Socialisation and the treatment of the Private Sector of Agriculture 1956 - 1962; Chapter 4 1956 - Autumn 1957: The First Round; Chapter 5 Autumn 1957 - Winter 1960: The Great Leap Forward, Communisation and Growing Agricultural Crisis; Chapter 6 1961 - 1962: Decentralisation in the Communes The Restoration of the Private Plot-in Theory and Practice; conclusion Concluding Remarks;