China’s Cultural Roots, Social Realities, and Socialism with Chinese Characteristics
Chinese modernization is socialism-orientated. In understanding the intricate relationship between Chinese modernization and socialism with Chinese characteristics, one must first revisit the foundational concept of socialism itself. Though often interpreted in varied ways at different times of world modern history, socialism is still today’s most influential social ideal that attracts generations of people to follow. Socialism with Chinese characteristics unleashes boundless possibilities on how to interpret socialism in the 21th century.
To trace its roots, socialism as a political and philosophical term gained its origin in the 19th century continental Europe.As a natural expression of the French contemporary culture,it demonstrated a profound critique of the on-the-horizon capitalist society. Thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, aprominent Enlightenment philosopher, deeply suspected the upcoming society of capitalism with its hollow promises of equality and freedom. Rousseau argues that a society driven by the maximization of self-interest—central to capitalism—is doomed to be unequal and inhumane. It is Rousseau that triggers the ideological trend of anti-Capitalism and consequently France gave birth to the early group of Utopian socialists in human history. Fairly speaking, the French early expressions of socialism exerts an irreplaceable influence on the advent of Marxism in the development of socialist theory.
No matter how much developed capitalism society, the “ghost of socialism” has been haunting the human world ever since s it represents social conscientiousness, humanistic values, and a deep ethical commitment to equality and collective well-being. It calls for a society that serves all its people, not just a privileged few. That is the very reason why socialism, to a large extent, echoes Chinese traditional value .
From a cultural standpoint, the vision of socialism resonates deeply with traditional Chinese values. The principle of self-interest maximization has never been central to Chinese moral philosophy or social practice. To build a shared future through common governance, traditional Chinese culture emphasizes family bonds, blood relationship, collective well-being, and social harmony over individual gains. Chinese ethical thoughts, with Confucianism as its axis, places moral obligations to the family and society at its core. The ethical value of Chinese traditional culture lies in the dedication to the building-up of a harmonious society instead of the maximization of self-interest. Therefore, socialism aligns naturally with China’s historical and cultural values, making it a culturally inevitable choice for the Chinese path to modernization.
In this light, to understand what socialism with Chinese characteristics truly means is equal to explore what defines Chinese modernization from the cultural perspective. At its heart, socialism with Chinese characteristics is people-centered. Guided by principles of inclusiveness, social justice, and harmonious society, it aims to create a society that serves the interests of the Chinese people. In this sense, Chinese modernization is a rejuvenation of Chinese cultural tradition with its full response to contemporary social realities.
In practice, socialism with Chinese characteristics represents a dynamic integration of Marxism with China’s cultural-social realities. Marxism is the fundamental guiding ideology for China’s socialist practice. However, Marxism is not a dogma, but rather a methodology. “Down to the earth and be realistic” is the fundamental principle for CPC’s adoption of Marxism in response to China’s actual social realities and conditions.
What is socialism? What is socialism with Chinese characteristics? The answer does not lie in the the original writings of the pioneering Marxists, neither in the political practice of the other nations of different culture. Ever since its establishment, CPC has paid a huge price for the pursuit of path to Chinese modernization as well as socialism with Chinese characteristics. Drawing on its early experiences and lessons of the early socialist practices, CPC fully recognizes that poverty is not socialism and China’s path to modernization must adhere to the general principles of human society’s modernization. With more than a century’s efforts, CPC succeeds in transforming China from a poor and backward nation into a modern powerful country. It makes distinct contributions to the development of world socialism.
It is important to note that socialism with Chinese characteristics is not static. It is an self-evolving concept and practice. Formally introduced during the 14th National Congress of the CPC, it takes its initial appearance in Deng Xiaoping Theory. Over the past decades, it has developed into new stages, adapting to China’s ever-changing social conditions. One reason for its continued success is its capacity to respond realistically and pragmatically to the changing societal needs. The adaptability of socialism with Chinese characteristics to the ever-changing social conditions has been a key driver of its resilience and success.
Understanding the concept of “major social contradiction” is crucial in this regard. It represents the most pressing and defining challenge in any given stage of development and determines necessary policy adjustments. For instance, in 1980s, China’s major social contradiction was between the ever-growing material and cultural needs of the people and the underdeveloped social production; in the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, after decades of rapid economic growth, the contradiction has shifted. According to the 19th National Congress of the CPC, it is now betweenthe unbalanced and inadequate development and the people’s ever-growing needs for a better life.
Although such terms as “a better life” may appear vague, they have been invested with profound meanings in policymaking. They underscore the government’s responsiveness and the adaptable nature of Chinese socialism in addressingpeople’s needs. In this sense, a successful path to modernization is secured.
Consequently, Chinese modernization and socialism with Chinese characteristics are not of closed or rigid model. They are open, evolving approaches grounded in tradition but responsive to global realities. Chinese historical wisdom, as seen in classical texts like the Book of Changes, reflects a philosophy of adaptability and transformation that pivots on the principle of “change”.
In this light, the Chinese path to modernization is not an attempt to replicate Western experiences. Instead, sitting on its own abundance of cultural heritage and thriving of social dynamics, China stands as a spectacular example of how a nation can establish its own path to modernization on its own. In response to the people’s needs, China under the leadership of CPC will secure its promising future.
The writer is a distinguished academic strategist and Professor at Shanghai International Studies University. He serves as Secretary-General of the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance & Area Studies and Senior Fellow at the China Public Diplomacy Association. His expertise includes comparative culture, international strategy, and China-Europe relations. He also directs several research centers, including the Centre for British Studies and the Centre for European Think Tank Studies.
