Available online
Description
This programme on 'Inequality, Politics and the Chinese Revolution' considers how politics can be used as a creative force, dramatically changing the structure of inequality. It begins by contrasti...ng the human preference for equality with the widespread existence of inequality. The programme then argues that the existence of widespread inequality is not inevitable and that purposeful political action can alter inequalities. First, North Korea is cited as an example and contrasted with South Korea. But most of the programme is an examination of how the Chinese Communist Party altered the pattern of inequality by political action. The programme thus concludes that there can be a very positive relationship between politics and inequality.
This programme on 'Inequality, Politics and the Chinese Revolution' considers how politics can be used as a creative force, dramatically changing the structure of inequality. It begins by contrasti...ng the human preference for equality with the widespread existence of inequality. The programme then argues that the existence of widespread inequality is not inevitable and that purposeful political action can alter inequalities. First, North Korea is cited as an example and contrasted with South Korea. But most of the programme is an examination of how the Chinese Communist Party altered the pattern of inequality by political action. The programme thus concludes that there can be a very positive relationship between politics and inequality.
| Module code and title: | D231, Comparative government and politics |
|---|---|
| Item code: | D231; 03 |
| First transmission date: | 07-04-1974 |
| Published: | 1974 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:25 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Francis Sealey |
| Contributors: | David Potter; Michael Smee; Geoffrey Matthews |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | China; Inequality; Politics; Korea; Wealth distribution |
| Footage description: | Opening sequence of globe, inequality symbols and cake cut into differing sections. Potter introduces the programme, which will deal with equality and inequality, and how political action can affect it. Example of unequal wealth distribution in Great Britain. Korea is used as an example. Film sequence of Korean War. Information is given on Korea before separation into North and South. Animated sequence investigates how the patterns of wealth, ownership etc. in North Korea have changed and been changed. These patterns are compared with South Korea which has changed little. Film shots of peasants working. Potter sums up on Korea, showing how it is a superb example for comparative study of the effects of politics on inequality. China is chosen as the next example. Film sequence relates the history of China from the 1920s. Shots of Chiang Kai Shek, Mao, the Civil War, the Long March, and the Sino-Japanese War. Concludes with the setting up of the People's Republic. Potter moves on to actually investigating equality and inequality in China. Figures etc. are put forward for pre-1949 China concerning land ownership etc. Animated sequences, stills and film clips of peasants at work. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/71197 |
| Production number: | 00525_2056 |
| Videofinder number: | 98 |
| Available to public: | no |
