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Globalization and Public Attitudes towards the State in the Asia-Pacific Region*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2010

HSIN-HUANG MICHAEL HSIAO
Affiliation:
Institute of Sociology, Academia Sinica and Department of Sociology, National Taiwan Universitymichael@gate.sinica.edu.tw
PO-SAN WAN
Affiliation:
Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, Chinese University of Hong Kong
TIMOTHY KA-YING WONG
Affiliation:
Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, Chinese University of Hong Kong

Abstract

Globalization has led to a redefinition of the functions and roles of the state. Based on data drawn from a cross-national social survey, this article examines the influences of globalization on the public's attitudes towards their state in Australia, China, India, Japan, Russia, and the United States, by focusing on satisfaction with government performance and demands on the government. The six countries differ extensively in their sociopolitical and technological situations, as well as in the experiences of their people with globalization in terms of the following aspects: connectivity with the world through personal ties and digital means, English language capacity, and support for the forces of globalization. There are also huge disparities in the public rankings of government performance and demands for expanding government spending in a wide range of policy areas. Our analysis reveals that, although both intra- and inter-country variations in the influences of globalization on public attitudes towards the state are not particularly prominent, those who support globalization not only are more inclined than others to be satisfied with the government's performance, but also demand more government intervention.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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