Examines China''s attempt to institutionalize, professionalize and humanize its approach to governance, drawing heavily on international norms and standards in employment regulation to provide economic and social solutions to unemployment. Discusses the ways in which the government combines the new techniques with old campaign-style policy techniques, which not only makes the state''s power visible, but also allows it to claim credit for managing unemployment. Focuses on local community organizations as new spaces of governance, public and private employment agencies, and university career centres.

Acknowledgements Glossary Introduction 1. Unemployment and ''harmonious society'' 2. Creating a labor market and the making of the unemployed 3. Laws as governing techniques 4. Public Employment Services 5. Urban community organizations and employment assistance 6. University career guidance centers 7. Temporary staffing agencies Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index