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Article
What Explains the Rise of Majority-Minority Tensions and Conflict in Xinjiang?
Central Asian Survey (2019)
  • Reza Hasmath, University of Alberta
Abstract
In the past few years there has been a rise of inter-ethnic violence in China. While ethno-cultural repression and ineffective state policies are correctly attributed as key culprits behind this reality, this article suggests that socio-economic factors play a fundamental contributory role as well. Using the Xinjiang case, the article maps ethnic tensions and violence as a manifestation and expression of a growing and heighten ethno-cultural consciousness stemming from ethnic minorities’ low socio-economic status due, in part, to internal Han migration, and a labour market process – involving agency and structure – that has shaped a split and segmented labour market.
Keywords
  • Ethnic Minorities,
  • Uyghurs,
  • Han,
  • migration,
  • labour market,
  • ethnic conflict,
  • Xinjiang,
  • China
Publication Date
2019
Citation Information
Hasmath, R. (2019) “What Explains the Rise of Ethnic Minority Tensions in China?”, Central Asian Survey 38(1): 46-60.