300633 Culture and Political Economy in Contemporary China (30-M25) (S) (SoSe 2025)

This course explores contemporary China through an anthropological lens, investigating the intersections of culture, society, and political economy in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Through ethnographic accounts, documentary films, in-depth journalistic accounts and more, we will explore the roles of algorithms and digital platforms like WeChat (Chinese version of WhatsApp) and Alipay (a popular Chinese digital cash payment platform) in facilitating everyday social, economic, and political lives in China.

Discussions will critically assess the tensions between privacy and efficiency, trust and surveillance, economic growth and social inequality, and how these forces transform individuals’ financial access, job opportunities, and interpersonal relationships.
By the end of the course, students will develop a nuanced understanding of China’s digital transformation and its broader cultural and political significance.