| Abstract: | Land is one of the most important assets in many countries, but property rights in rural China create unique circumstances worthy of consideration. Because the state and collectivities hold property rights and grant right of use, those who live and farm on land cannot freely use, transfer, pledge for loan, or bequeath that land. However, several recent social innovations experiment with ways to broaden flexibility on land use. Using the theoretical framework of asset building, this article discusses the current land policy, re-examines the asset attributes of land and discusses both the advantages and disadvantages of these innovations in rural China. The analysis leads us to make further suggestions concerning asset-based land policy. |
