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Chinese journal of sociology ›› 2021, Vol. 7 ›› Issue (1): 48-73.doi: 10.1177/2057150X20980843

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Stability and change in strategic action fields: Municipal solid waste incineration in China, 1988–2020

  

  • 出版日期:2021-01-01 发布日期:2021-01-19

Stability and change in strategic action fields: Municipal solid waste incineration in China, 1988–2020

Xixi Zhang, Department of Sociology, University of Montreal, Canada   

  1. Department of Sociology, University of Montreal, Canada

  • Online:2021-01-01 Published:2021-01-19
  • Contact: Xixi Zhang, Department of Sociology, University of Montreal, Pavillon Lionel-Groulx, 3150 Jean-Brillant, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3T 1N8 E-mail:xixi.zhang@umontreal.ca

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Abstract:

The theory of strategic action fields (SAFs) is a perspective from which to better understand the emergence, stability, and change of the meso-level social order. However, the transferability of this theoretical perspective requires additional empirical evidence. Therefore, this study regards municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration in China as a SAF, in which various forces vie for the dominant position around the construction and operation of incineration plants. Given that all fields are embedded in a shifting social and cultural context, I analyze the interactions and competitions between incumbents and challengers. I then examine a series of consecutive events in the SAF, such as the emergence of the waste crisis, the development of MSW incineration, and consequential episodes of contention. I also investigate other factors that may affect the prospects for stability and change of the SAF, including actions of the state, influences of other related fields, and large-scale crises. By tracing the developmental trajectory of the SAF of MSW incineration, I discuss the applicability of the theory of SAFs to understanding an underexplored field in China.