From Commons to Commoning?: the Use of Collective Grassland in the New Type of Rural Collective Economy in Inner Mongolia

Abstract

In recent years, China has been deepening the process of de-collectivization while initiating the process of re-collectivization by vigorously developing new type of rural collective economies. Many studies have regarded this as a form of commoning, but there are flaws such as ignoring the particularity of the collective, the importance of land, and the applicability of the theory of commoning. This study aims to engage in dialogue with existing research by examining the evolution of rural collective systems and presenting how the new type of rural collective economy utilizes collective grassland based on fieldwork in Saihantal Gacha from the perspective of the commoning theory. The study argues that in the activities featuring the new type of rural collective economy of Saihantal gacha, rural collectives have become extensions of state power and lack their own authority, and the development of the new type of rural collective economy has been permeated by the state logic. Meanwhile, the collective members have not reflected on neoliberalism, resulting in poor peer relationships and inclusiveness, which goes against the core of commoning emphasizing the logic of sharing and reflective practice, and thus cannot constitute commoning practice.