Reconciling: How Chinese Village Cadres Solve Land Disputes in Southeast China

Abstract

Land disputes are a common phenomenon in rural China. This study focuses on how rural cadres resolve land disputes. It is found that the uniqueness of ownership and cultural and historical factors are the main reasons for land disputes. Village cadres often use the power of their positions in the village, their relationship with villagers, and private financial compensation to resolve disputes. This solution is related to the type of village cadres and the attitudes of higher-level departments (township cadres).