While millions in China have been advantaged by three decades of reform, impressive gains have also produced social dislocation. Groups that had been winners under socialism find themselves losers in the new order. Based on field research in nine cities across China, this fascinating study considers the fate of one such group - 35 million workers laid off from the state-owned sector. The book explains why these lay-offs occurred, how workers are coping with unemployment, what actions the state is taking to provide them with livelihoods and re-employment, and what happens when workers mobilize collectively to pursue redress of their substantial grievances. What happens to these people, the remnants of the socialist working class, will be critical in shaping post-socialist politics and society in China and beyond.

'This concise book addresses several issues regarding the layoffs of employees in the public industrial sector in China in the 1990s and early 2000s. … The greatest strength of the book is that, unlike existing research, it introduces regional variation in explaining the issues … The book is also rich in data. … Overall, this is a very well-written book that describes and analyses the process of the unprecedented industrial restructuring or the critical period of the economic transition in China.'

Source: The China Quarterly

'… a sobering account of how a key section of China's working class have lost important battles over the past 20 years …'

Source: International Socialism

'Hurst's book provides detailed and extensive information … a comprehensive summary …'

Source: Permanent Revolution