2016 Theses Master's

An Analysis of Power Relations in the Redevelopment of Urban Villages - Three Case Studies in Guangzhou, China

Zeng, Zhipeng

This thesis studies the power relations among the government, the village collective economic organization (VCEO), and the villagers in the redevelopment of urban villages in China by analyzing three cases - Liede Village, Yangji Village, and Wenchong Village in Guangzhou municipality. The case studies show that government involvement is the major force that drives the redevelopment and the degree of government involvement is based on the government's agenda rather than the needs of villages. Although the urban village only has limited negotiation power, villagers' active participation and continuous engagement can assist the redevelopment of urban villages and help to achieve a desirable redevelopment plan and compensation scheme. It also indicates that strong support from government and a collaborative partnership among the local government, the village collective economic organization (VCEO), and urban villagers are the keys to successful urban village redevelopments.