lization in the cities more and more people from the rural areas of China began migrating to the cities in hopes to make money and better their status in life.. Once in the cities, many of these migrants turn to a life of crime. In general they are considered “vagrants” and “ hooligans”, (Dutton, 63). Dutton comments, “The deteriorating security situation in contemporary China has important lessons and offers some previously unknown challenges to the law in the People’s Republic. The economic reform process has inadvertently led to a crime wave,” (Dutton, 68). These migrants come to the city oftentimes live in horrible conditions in hopes to achieve wealth and status. When they do not find it, many migrants feel they have nothing to lose, so they turn to a life of crime in their desire to consume. “When peasants first enter the city, all they can do is feel envious, inferior and impatient. This even reaches the point where they develop a hate complex. This complex not only prevents them from gradually entering into city life, but can even lead them into crime,” (Dutton, 87). This mentality is a far cry from the traditional Confucian notion of filial piety. The Chinese government has tried many methods to control the migration to the city and the resulting crime. Severe penalties were levied to offenders of serious crimes. Identity cards were issued to all citizens of China in order to establish place of residency of each individual citizen. Many non-legal residents of cities were expelled from the city. Higher taxes were levied to residents of urban areas. (Dutton, 80-140). However the peasants still came in droves to try to improve their station in life and become a part of the consumer world. The westernization of China has brought about significant change in Chinese society. Michael Dutton paints a poignant picture of contemporary Chinese society, a society still ...
