Biao Xiang
University of Oxford
Moderator:
Manoranjan Mohanty, Institute of Chinese Studies
Organised by:
Institute of Chinese Studies
Abstract:
In exploring how a tiny virus has thrown the world into unprecedented crises, this paper calls attention to a particular aspect of the context of the pandemic, namely the relation between intensified population mobility and deepening inequality. Based on observations from China, I suggest that economic restructuring over the last decades has created a mobility-based economic and social order. This could have been a reason why the local government in Hubei, where the epidemic emerged, was reluctant in issuing early warnings, as any disruptions in economic circulation would have broad repercussions. At the same time as the intensification of mobility, the distribution of resources—economic opportunities, medical care facilities, and decision-making power—have become more concentrated to megacities and to the centre. The intersection between mobility and inequality contributes to the spread of virus and slows down decision making during the outbreak. But this condition also enables an “all-out war” style reaction, which is in turn extremely socially disruptive. Ironically, the corona-crises are likely to further intensify the mobility of low-income groups and worsen economic inequality.
Date: April 15, 2020
Time: 04:00 P.M.
Note:
To receive login details for the Zoom Webinar, please register for the event here. ICS will seek to share the login details with only registered participants by the evening of 14th April.
Please note that limited number of seats are available in the Zoom meeting room, and you are hence requested to join the webinar as soon after 3:30 PM as possible.
University of Oxford
Moderator:
Manoranjan Mohanty, Institute of Chinese Studies
Organised by:
Institute of Chinese Studies
Abstract:
In exploring how a tiny virus has thrown the world into unprecedented crises, this paper calls attention to a particular aspect of the context of the pandemic, namely the relation between intensified population mobility and deepening inequality. Based on observations from China, I suggest that economic restructuring over the last decades has created a mobility-based economic and social order. This could have been a reason why the local government in Hubei, where the epidemic emerged, was reluctant in issuing early warnings, as any disruptions in economic circulation would have broad repercussions. At the same time as the intensification of mobility, the distribution of resources—economic opportunities, medical care facilities, and decision-making power—have become more concentrated to megacities and to the centre. The intersection between mobility and inequality contributes to the spread of virus and slows down decision making during the outbreak. But this condition also enables an “all-out war” style reaction, which is in turn extremely socially disruptive. Ironically, the corona-crises are likely to further intensify the mobility of low-income groups and worsen economic inequality.
Date: April 15, 2020
Time: 04:00 P.M.
Note:
To receive login details for the Zoom Webinar, please register for the event here. ICS will seek to share the login details with only registered participants by the evening of 14th April.
Please note that limited number of seats are available in the Zoom meeting room, and you are hence requested to join the webinar as soon after 3:30 PM as possible.
