The Open Door Policies of Deng Xiaoping

When Deng Xiaoping came to power in the early 1980s, China was attempting to deal with the expanded capitalism that had been suggested as a result of the state visit of Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger. By adopting a modified version of capitalism, known generally as "socialistic capitalism" Deng Xiaoping instituted wide-sweeping social and economic reforms in the attempt to turn a Communist society into one where personal income was not only accepted but seen as a logical goal (Nathan & Shi, 1996, 534). China, whose very name means "The Middle Kingdom" (as in the center of the world), having some 7,000 years worth of "adapting" quickly assumed some of the aspects of capitalism while rejecting others.

Part of this paper will examine some of those changes that were accepted, and try to determine if they will survive the recent death of China's leader, Deng Xiaoping, who almost single-handedly brought China into the 20th century world of global marketing. His death leaves Western economic and political observers with a myriad of questions concerning the fate of those open door economic policies that he established. What will be the consequences of this watershed development in Chinese affairs and what kind of political and economic leadership will emerge in post-Deng China?

A new leadership team was installed years before Deng's death. Also, China's position in the world has changed dramatically since the Cultur

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successful one is as an individual, the motivating factor of competition is a strong stimulant to push the American ever upward. Through competition, the best rise to the top in America, and achievement where competition is lacking is looked down upon by most Americans. Among the Chinese, the hierarchical nature of their social order -- based on its respect for rank -- combined with the generally restrained approach to ambition and achievement have prevented competition from becoming a motivating force. This of course is changing as the economies of Taiwan and Hong Kong continue to expand, and the economy of the mainland continues to open its doors. As far as materialism is concerned, both Americans and Chinese are very materialistic; but due to social changes in the 1960s and early 1970s, Americans began to re-evaluate their drive towards materialism, and have maintained a more practical, pragmatic approach. Ambitious, materialistic and willing to take risks, a growing number of well educated Chinese have embraced Deng's attitude and are challenging some long-held cultural values concerning work, comfort and prestige. With the Chinese, political risk taking is also inherent; but the degree of risk taken is a direct functio
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Approximate Word count = 3300
Approximate Pages = 13 (250 words per page)

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