The theme for the 2012 conference revolves around the aspects of modernization and cultural development China is currently undergoing in an increasingly globalized and digitized world. China is now facing the challenges not only from the outside – a penetrating western cultural influence, but more from its own inside – lack of social cohesion from the weakened traditional value system due to fast-changing social and economic transformation in the process of industrialization, urbanization, and overall modernization. A growing consensus is that social stability does not hinge on economic growth alone and cultural adaption to change is crucial to sustained economic growth and political stability. A well-guided cultural reform and development can be a powerful contributor to social justice and equality essential for the construction of a harmonious society, and it can also enhance China’s effort to reach out to the world to boost its soft power – the richness of cultural heritage as well as the nation’s refreshed image -- through the global media and its unique publicity medium – over 300 Confucius Institutes that spread out across the world.

We cordially invite panels and papers that touch upon the intrinsic interactions of culture, economy and politics and their impacts on the various sectors of Chinese society. Panel topics can be viewed at the ACPSS website.

Conference Registration Fees:

ACPSS member with paper: $90
Non-ACPSS member with paper: $180
Student with paper: $80
Attendance with no paper: $200