Study on the Features of Balanced Economic and Social Development in Ethnic Regions of Southwest China under the Perspective of Common Prosperity

Abstract

With economic and social progress, the focus of regional unbalanced development has evolved. In the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, people’s aspirations for a better life are no longer limited to material and cultural necessities; the notion of a better life has become increasingly diversified, transcending individual or family micro-level welfare to embrace a comprehensive perspective of societal development. Focusing on the ethnic regions of Southwest China, this paper examines the fundamental characteristics of their coordinated economic and social development and offers relevant policy recommendations that provide a theoretical framework for scholars studying balanced regional economic growth. This study describes the characteristics of balanced economic and social development in Southwest China’s ethnic regions in four dimensions: sustainable economic growth, social stability, ecological civilization construction, and people-centered development ideology. Through comparative analysis, it presents a synthesis of domestic and international research, and summarizes the theoretical foundations and practical experiences essential for the future development of Southwest China’s ethnic regions. This paper examines four key elements for the development of ethnic regions in Southwest China. First, it emphasizes high-quality economic growth, which increases total factor productivity through supply-side structural reform and promotes the establishment of a modern industrial system. Second, social stability, a crucial component in realizing a better life, requires strengthening social justice and strengthening the social security system while maintaining national unity. Third, the paper stresses the importance of building an ecological civilization and advocates green technology, green industry and green consumption to achieve sustainable development. Finally, a people-centered development ideology safeguards livelihoods and focuses on education, income distribution, employment, and other areas. This paper explores the basic characteristics of coordinated economic and social progress in Southwest China’s ethnic regions, and provides a theoretical framework for scholars to explore balanced regional economic development.

Ethnological Economics with Chinese Attributes: History and Theoretical Contributions

“…They have published research reports and economic surveys with abundant data and comprehensive content. The representative ones are Liu and Li's "The Report on Economic Development of Ethnic Regions in China" (Liu & Li, 2011). It also includes the Minority Village Survey Series organized by Yunnan University and the China Ethnic Economic Village Survey Series organized by Minzu University of China (Liu & Li, 2011).…”