ABSTRACT
Three models can be used to assess political participation in the study of Chinese politics. First, the mobilization model suggests that participation is so mobilized by the Party-state that it is largely meaningless. In contrast, second, the empowerment model assesses the value of political participation in terms of whether citizens are empowered or not, or the extent to which citizens are becoming autonomous actors. Third, the disengagement model argues that many citizens adopt non-participatory forms of behaviour, such as not voting, as a means of protest.
