Chinese Canadian Perceptions of the Social Credit System
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Authors
Poon, Ashley
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Social Credit System , China , Chinese Canadians , Immigrant Perceptions , Authoritarianism , Surveillance
Alternative Title
Abstract
In 2014, China announced that they would be implementing a Social Credit System
(SCS) in hopes of encouraging trustworthy behavior between Chinese citizens, corporations, and
government agencies (State Council, 2014). Currently, existing literature frames the SCS as a
surveillance mechanism for social management and behavior engineering (Hoffman, 2018;
Creemers, 2018; Dai, 2018; Langer, 2020). Additionally, research has also indicated that Chinese
citizens generally hold high levels of approval towards the SCS (Kostka, 2019). Kostka (2019)
further noted that because there was almost no disapproval amongst citizens, their opinions may
be highly influenced by the authoritarian regime they are situated in. Therefore, this thesis
explores the perceptions of Chinese Canadians regarding the SCS in hopes that this diaspora
population can further shed light on Chinese public opinion towards the SCS. Using a mixed
methods approach, my study incorporates a survey (n=63) which offers a quantitative snapshot
of Chinese Canadian perceptions, while the use of semi-structured interviews (n=8) provides for
an in-depth understanding of why they have those views. Based on this cross-sectional study, the
findings suggest that older and first generation immigrants hold more favorable views of the
SCS. Drawing from their own lived experiences in China and their understanding of Chinese
culture, participants explained that while the SCS could be understood as an instrument for
control, it also promotes trust, awareness, fairness, and a higher quality of living within a society
that is plagued by fraud and distrust.
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ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.