THE RESURGENCE OF CLAN POWER IN MAINLAND CHINA

The beginning of the reform era in rural mainland China saw a resurgen ce of clan activities which had been suppressed since 1949. Thanks to changes in the pattern of the rural economy, dan power has expanded an d begun to disrupt the rural power structure. Interclan rivalry often escalates into armed conflict, disrupting the rural economy and threat ening rural social stability. However, clans can sometimes play a posi tive role and the authorities in mainland China would be wise to recog nize this.