Exploring and Analyzing American Perspectives of the Chinese Social Credit System
Date
2021-12
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MAPC, The University of Tampa
Abstract
This research study aims to understand how United States residents feel about different elements of China’s Social Credit System (SCS). The
SCS was announced in 2014 by China’s ruling party as a system that would “Allow the trustworthy to roam everywhere under heaven, while
making it difficult for the discredited to take a single step.” The system is still in its trial phase and has been surrounded by sensationalist
headlines regarding what it is and is not, although much of the world’s population remains unaware of its existence. This study used purposive
sampling to find 12 US residents for participation in this study while attempting to match the demographics of participants to recent census data
of the larger population. Participants were then sent debriefing materials and engaged in semi-structured interviews with the researcher over
the video-chatting service Zoom. Participants were asked an array of questions about what their initial impressions of the SCS were, what
concerns them about the system, where they see potential benefits, possible connections between the SCS and American society, and what
kind of impact they believe the system will have. After the data gathering process, a thematic analysis was conducted to find patterns in the
responses from participants and what the overall attitudes were towards the SCS. The findings showed nuanced responses amongst the
majority of participants, with the system’s effects on upward mobility being the most polarizing topic. Positives of the SCS that participants
referenced included cleaner/safer cities and greater accountability for businesses and those in powerful positions. Concerns that were
mentioned included further limitations on freedom of expression and other civil liberties, travel restrictions, and worries about the scale of public
surveillance that may be utilized by the SCS. Nearly all participants mentioned the similarity of financial credit scores that many in the West are
familiar with as the main connection between the SCS and American society.
Description
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Capstone project
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Keywords
Social credit system, China, American perceptions, Attitudes, Opinions