This case study of Village C in Pearl River Delta was proceeded to examine the “broadened practical rationality” concept by Daniel Little (1991). The discussion on “broadened practical rationality” is conducted under the debate between the theory of moral economy (Scott 1976) and the theory of rational economy (Popkin 1979). I would like to conclude the illegal house construction process as an “individual planning but collective construction” process, which is involved multi-values and multi-motivations within the social environment. Villagers is practices their changeable goals in different period of dissimilar contexts in the rural urban transformation process....[ Read more ]

This case study of Village C in Pearl River Delta was proceeded to examine the “broadened practical rationality” concept by Daniel Little (1991). The discussion on “broadened practical rationality” is conducted under the debate between the theory of moral economy (Scott 1976) and the theory of rational economy (Popkin 1979). I would like to conclude the illegal house construction process as an “individual planning but collective construction” process, which is involved multi-values and multi-motivations within the social environment. Villagers is practices their changeable goals in different period of dissimilar contexts in the rural urban transformation process.

The term “broadened” refers to the multi-value and multi-purpose compare to the narrow economic rationality based on profit maximization. The broadened practical rationality is embedded in particular social environment and social institution of the village which limits the resources available to villagers and defines what kind of livelihood villagers can persuade. “Broadened practical rationality” derives a more comprehensive picture of how villagers work practically on their multi-values and multi-purposes in response to the challenges and changes in rural-urban transformation to preserve their livelihood. Their choices are based on their practical experience and their available resources.