Abstract
Currently there are many unofficially sanctioned social organizations in China that are not register with the Ministry of Civil Affaires or its local departments. They are allowed to openly conduct activities and play increasingly active roles in various areas. These “bottom-up” organizations are created by private individuals and, by operating autonomously create a public space independent of the government. A study of these unofficial social organizations can shed light on elements of the evolving civil society in China. This paper examines the existing patterns of unofficial social organizations, analyzes the reasons of their emergence and the bases of their survival and growth. The discussion includes comments on the challenges to their future development.
