EN中文

Acta Geographica Sinica >

2011 , Vol. 66 >Issue 10: 1368 - 1378

DOI: https://doi.org/10.11821/xb201110007

Politics of Scale in "Sanlu-Milkpowder Scandal"

Expand
  • School of Geography Sciences and Planning, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Urbanization and Geo-simulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China

Received date: 2011-04-09

  Revised date: 2011-08-29

  Online published: 2011-10-20

Supported by

National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.40701041; Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars, State Education Ministry; Project of the 11th Five-year Plan of Philosophy and Social Science of Guangdong Planning (2009)

Fold

Abstract

Since the 1980s, scale was rediscovered by some pioneering western human geographers and becoming a key concept in analyzing or criticizing social-spatial processes. However, scalar view is mainly developed in the fields of natural geography or GIS rather than human geography in China. Actually, scale connotes real, analytic and practical meanings in geography, the practical meaning of scale mainly acts as politics of scale. On the basis of a systematic review of researches on scale in human geography in current English sphere, this paper examines the connotations of scale in human geography and constructs an general conceptual and analytical framework of "politics of scale", which includes three actors with unequal power, the weak actor mainly uses "politics of scale" through direct fight by improving its mobility or making alliance with its fellows, or through indirect mobilization by networks or scaled representation. This model is used in explaining the scaling politics in the world-notorious Sanlu-Milkpowder Scandal that happened in 2008. Using materials collected from newspapers and various websites in the two stages of this case, the authors make some efforts to shed light on the comparison between China and the western countries on the features of "politics of scale". We also argue that this perspective is very useful and effective in understanding quite a lot of social processes in China. This study shows that there are numerous stakeholders and complicated scaled political processes behind social events like Sanlu-Milkpowder Scandal, in these issues the relationships between the central and local governments play a critical role. Our analysis shows that the central and local governments acted first as the third party and then as the strong part which mainly scale the impacts down and stop the weak part from expanding their influences, which is due to the lack of relatively independent third part in China. It is believed that this paper can add some new ideas in current researches on "politics of scale" and give a promising outlook of researches on scalar politics in China in the future, when the geographical concept of scale not only can be applied to explain and resolve some intractable social problems, but also will generate some profound influences on other disciplines such as political science and sociology.

Key words： scale; politics of scale; scale-down; scale-up; Sanlu-Milkpowder Scandal 1378

Cite this article

LIU Yungang, WANG Fenglong . Politics of Scale in "Sanlu-Milkpowder Scandal"[J]. Acta Geographica Sinica, 2011 , 66(10) : 1368 -1378 . DOI: 10.11821/xb201110007

References

[1] Liu Yungang. A research perspective on Chinese political geography. Human Geography, 2009, 24(2): 12-16, 28. [刘云 刚. 中国政治地理学研究展望. 人文地理, 2009, 24(2): 12-16, 28.]

[2] Liu Yungang, Wang Fenglong. Concept of scale in human geography and politics of scale: Based on Anglophone human geography since 1980s. Human Geography, 2011, 26(3): 13-20. [刘云刚, 王丰龙. 尺度的人文地理内涵与尺度 政治: 基于1980 年代以来英语圈人文地理学的尺度研究. 人文地理, 2011, 26(3): 13-20.]

[3] Herod A. Scale: The local and the global//Holloway S L, Rice S P, Valentine G. Key Concepts in Geography. London: Sage Publications Ltd., 2003: 209-228. [安德鲁赫罗德. 尺度: 本土性与全球性. 引自: 黄润华,孙颖译, 萨拉L.霍洛韦 等编. 当代地理学要义: 概念、思维与方法. 北京: 商务印书馆, 2008: 182-195.]

[4] Lu Yihe, Fu Bojie. Ecological scale and scaling. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2001, 21(12): 2096-2015. [吕一河, 傅伯杰. 生 态学中的尺度及尺度转换方法. 生态学报, 2001, 21(12): 2096-2015.]

[5] Su Lihong, Li Xiaowen, Huang Yuxia. A review on scale in remote sensing. Advance in Earth Sciences, 2001, 16 (4): 544-548. [苏理宏, 李小文, 黄裕霞. 遥感尺度问题研究进展. 地球科学进展, 2001, 16(4): 544-548.]

[6] Zhao Wenwu, Fu Bojie, Chen Liding. Some fundamental issues in scaling. Advance in Earth Sciences, 2002, 17(6): 905-911. [赵文武, 傅伯杰, 陈利顶. 尺度推绎研究中的几点基本问题. 地球科学进展, 2002, 17(6): 905-911.]

[7] Lu Xuejun, Zhou Chenghu, Zhang Hongyan et al.. Analytical scheme on scale-structure of geographical space. Progress in Geography, 2004, 23(2): 107-114. [鲁学军, 周成虎, 张洪岩等. 地理空间的尺度: 结构分析模式探讨. 地理科学进 展, 2004, 23(2): 107-114.]

[8] Li Shuangcheng, Cai Yunlong. Some scaling issues of geography. Geographical Research, 2005, 24(1): 11-18. [李双成, 蔡运龙. 地理尺度转换若干问题的初步探讨. 地理研究, 2005, 24(1): 11-18.]

[9] Zhao Jin, Chen Xi, Bao Anming et al. Choice of appropriate scale for land use monitoring: A case of the Tarim River Basin. Acta Geographica Sinica, 2007, 62(6): 659-668. [赵金, 陈曦, 包安明等. 土地利用监测适宜尺度选择方法研 究: 以塔里木河流域为例. 地理学报, 2007, 62(6): 659-668.]

[10] Zhu Xiaohua, Li Jialin, Yang Xiuchun et al. Scaling character of spatial structure of land use. Scientia Geographica Sinica, 2007, 27(1): 58-62. [朱晓华, 李加林, 杨秀春等. 土地空间分形结构的尺度转换特征. 地理科学, 2007, 27(1): 58-62.]

[11] Liu Xuejun, Lu Huaxing, Ren Zheng et al. Scale issues in digital terrain analysis and terrain modeling. Geographical Research, 2007, 26(3): 433-432. [刘学军, 卢华兴, 仁政等. 论DEM地形分析中的尺度问题. 地理研究, 2007, 26(3): 433-432.]

[12] Chen Ruishan, Cai Yunlong. Progress in the study of scale issues in land change science. Geographical Research, 2010, 29(7): 1244-1256. [ 陈睿山, 蔡运龙. 土地变化科学中的尺度问题与解决途径. 地理研究, 2010, 29(7): 1244-1256.]

[13] Ke Xinli, Deng Xiangzheng, He Shujin. Scale sensitivity and its causality for geo-cellular automata modeling. Geographical Research, 2010, 29(5): 863-872. [柯新利, 邓祥征, 何书金. 地理元胞自动机模型的尺度敏感性及原因. 地理研究, 2010, 29(5): 863-872.]

[14] Jessop B, Brenner N, Jones M. Theorizing sociospatial relations. Environment and Planning D: Society and Space, 2008, 26(3): 389-401.

[15] Smith N. Scale//Johnston R J, Gregory D, Pratt G et al. The Dictonary of Human Geography. 4th ed. Cambridge, MA: Blackwell, 2000: 724-727.

[16] Li Xiaojian. Scale and Economic Geography Inquiry. Economic Geography, 2005, 25(4): 433-436. [李小建. 经济地理 学研究中的尺度问题. 经济地理, 2005, 25(4): 433-436.]

[17] Miao Changhong. Western economic geography in transformation: Institutional, cultural, relational and scalar turns. Economic Geography, 2004, 19(4): 68-76. [苗长虹. 变革中的西方经济地理学: 制度、文化、关系与尺度转向. 人文 地理, 2004, 19(4): 68-76.]

[18] Lefebvre H. The Production of Space. Oxford: Blackwell, 1991: 348-349.

[19] Manston S. Does scale exist? An epistemological scale continuum for complex human-environment systems. Geoforum, 2008, 39(2): 776-788.

[20] Taylor P J. A materialist framework for political geography. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 1982, 7(1): 15-34.

[21] Smith N. Uneven Development: Nature, Capital and the Production of Space. 2nd ed. Cambridge, MA: Blackwell, 1990: 160-178.

[22] Marston S, Woodard K, Jones J. Scale//Gregory D, Johnston R J, Pratt G et al. The Dictionary of Human Geography. 5th ed. Cambridge, MA: Blackwell, 2009: 664-666.

[23] Howitt R. Scale as Relation: Musical metaphors of geographical scale. Area, 1998, 30(1): 49-58.

[24] Marston S A. The social construction of scale. Progress in Human Geography, 2000, 24(2): 219-242.

[25] Delaney D, Leitner H. The political construction of scale. Political Geography, 1997, 16(2): 93-97.

[26] Swyngedouw E. Excluding the other: The production of scale and scaled politics//Lee R, Wills J. Geographies of Economies. London: Arnold, 1997: 169.

[27] Moore A. Rethinking scale as a geographical category: From analysis to practice. Progress in Human Geography, 2008, 32(2): 203-225.

[28] Smith N. Homeless/global: Scaling places//Bird J, Curtis B, Putnam T et al.//Mapping the Futures. London: Routledge, 1993: 87-119.

[29] Brenner N. The limits to scale? Methodological reflections on scalar structuration. Progress in Human Geography, 2001, 25(4): 591-614.

[30] Flint C, Taylor P J. Political Geography: World-economy, Nation-state and Locality. 5th ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2007: 26-28.

[31] Howitt R. Scale and the other: Levinas and geography. Geoforum, 2002, 33(3): 299-313.

[32] Zhou Tingyu. More Than 290,000 babies in China showed signs of urinary system abnormality caused by the tainted milk-powder. Beijing: Xinhua Net, 2008-12-01. [周婷玉. 我国共有29 万余名婴幼儿泌尿系统因食用问题奶粉出现异 常. 北京: 新华网, 2008-12-01. http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2008-12/01/content_10441114_1.htm, 2011-08-27.]

[33] Wang Zhongliang. Food security and social modern corporate social responsibilities. Shanghai Economic Study, 2009, 28(1): 36-40. [王中亮. 食品安全与现代企业的社会责任. 上海经济研究, 2009, 28(1): 36-40.]

[34] Zhang Hongfeng, Zhou Feng. Sanlu milk-powder scandal from the perspective of regulation of food security. Theoretic Discussion, 2008, 25(6):145-147. [张红凤, 周峰. 从食品安全规制看“三鹿奶粉”事件. 理论探讨, 2008, 25 (6): 145-147.]

[35] Ren Yan, An Yufa. Lessons on Chinese regulation of food security from Sanlu Milk-powder Scandal. World Agriculture, 2008, 30(12): 7-9. [任燕, 安玉发.“三鹿问题奶粉事件”对中国食品安全监管机制的启示. 世界农业, 2008, 30(12): 7-9.]

[36] Zhou Xiaomei, Lu Lingling. On Chinese regulation efficiency of food security: A benefit-cost analysis. Consumer Economics, 2008, 24(5): 23-26. [周小梅, 卢玲玲. 论中国食品安全管制效率: 基于收益成本的分析. 消费经济, 2008, 24(5): 23-26.]

[37] Li Changgeng. Thinkings on economic law from Sanlu Milk-powder Scandal: Re-exploration the inadvisability of views like Transitional Economic Law. Gansu Social Sciences, 2009, 31(1): 68-72. [李昌庚. 经济法视野下的“毒奶 粉”事件之思考: 兼再论“转轨经济法学”等类似观点不可取. 甘肃社会科学, 2009, 31(1): 68-72.]

[38] Chen Hong. Development trend of Chinese dairy industry after Sanlu Milk-powder Scandal. China Cattle Science, 2009, 35(1): 37-39. [陈宏. 三鹿奶粉事件后我国奶业的发展趋势. 中国牛业科学, 2009, 35(1): 37-39.]

[39] Liu Yuman. Chinese dairy industry should lead a way of scientific development in post-melamine time: A survey of a city in North China. Chinese Journal of Animal Science, 2009, 45(2): 39-43. [刘玉满. 后“三聚氰胺”时代呼唤我国 奶业要走科学发展之路: 基于华北地区某市的调研. 中国畜牧杂志, 2009, 45(2): 39-43.]

[40] Liu Junmin. Experiences and lessons of food security system in the USA. Theoretic Discussion, 2008,25(6): 133-136. [刘俊敏. 美国的食品安全保障体系及其经验启示. 理论探索, 2008, 25(6): 133-136.]

[41] Zhang Yunhua, Kong Xiangzhi, Yang Xiaoyan et al. Game analysis on quality and safety of food supply chain. Chinese Soft Science, 2004,19(11): 23-26. [张云华, 孔祥智, 杨晓艳等. 食品供给链中质量安全问题的博弈分析. 中 国软科学, 2004, 19(11): 23-26.]

[42] Wang Hu, Li Changjian. The crisis of mainstream paradigm: Introspection and reforming of China's food safety regulation. Journal of South China Agricultural University: Social Science Edition, 2008, 17(4): 132-140. [王虎, 李长 健. 主流范式的危机: 我国食品安全治理模式的反思与重整. 华南农业大学学报: 社会科学版, 2008, 17(4): 132-140.]

[43] Lu Hong. Sanlu reduced Wang Yuanping to silence with 4 boxes of milk-powder and a piece of contact. Hangzhou Flash Report, 2008-09-13(12). [吕宏. 三鹿用四箱奶粉一纸协议封了泰顺王远萍的口. 杭州都市快报, 2008-09-13 (12).]

[44] Ye Tieqiao. Exposure of the truth of Sanlu Milk-powder Scandal. China Youth Newspaper, 2009-01-01(3). [叶铁桥. “三鹿事件”真相大曝光. 中国青年报, 2009-01-01(3).]

[45] Hu Xiangbao, Li Zhongcun. A thorough investigation of Baidu Search Engine. IT Time, 2008, (19). [胡祥宝, 李忠存. 百度搜索公正性彻底调查. IT时代周刊, 2008, (19). 网址: http://www.ittime.com.cn/content.asp?id=6060, 2011-08-27.]

[46] Wang Minghao. Why was Sanlu Milk-powder Scandal Reported late. People's Daily, 2008-12-01(2). [王明浩. 三鹿事 件为何迟报. 人民日报, 2008-12-01(2).]

[47] Ren Bo. The Fact That Sanlu Milk-powder caused the fants' kidney-stone was finally verified. Finance and Economics, 2008-09-13. [任波. “三鹿”奶粉致婴幼儿结石事实终获认定. 财经, 2008-09-13. http://www.caijing.com.cn/2008-09-13/110012313.html, 2011-08-27.]

[48] Editors. The whole story of Sanlu Milk-powder Scandal. Policy Research & Exploration, 2008, 23(11): 16-17. [决策探 索编辑部. 三鹿奶粉事件始末. 决策探索, 2008, 23(11): 16-17.]

[49] Huang Xiaomin. Tens of babies caused sick by milk-powder, 57 days taken to expose the truth. China Consumer Net, 2008-09-12. [黄小鳘. 奶粉致几十名婴儿患病, 57 天戳穿三鹿假话. 中国消费网, 2008-09-12. http://www.315sc.org/show_page.asp?id=64683, 2011-08-27.]

[50] Tian Zhangmeng, Gao Xinguo. Sanlu Corporation claimed that illegal dairy farmers added melamine to the fresh milk. China News, 2008-09-12. [田张梦, 高新国. 三鹿集团称不法奶农在鲜奶中掺入三聚氰胺. 中国新闻网. 2008 年9 月 12 日, http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2008-09-12/152216281741.shtml, 2011-08-27.]

[51] Special Series. Truth and Questions about Sanlu Milk-powder. Literature on the Spot, 2008-09-18. [文学现场特别专 题. 三鹿的真相和疑问. 文学现场, 2008-09-18. http://wxxc.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=33703&page=4, 2011-08-27.]

[52] Liu Jingjing. The threshold of melamine is not the same as safety standards. Finance and Economics Net, 2008-10-08. [刘京京. 三聚氰胺限量值不等于安全标准.财经网, 2008-10-08, http://www.caijing.com.cn/2008-10-08/110018372.html, 2011-08-27.]

[53] Yang Qinglin. Tainted milk-powder wrecked our nation: AQSIQ need not play numbers game. Ta Kung Pao, 2008-09-18. [杨清林. 毒奶粉祸害全国:质检总局不必玩数字游戏. 大公报, 2008-09-18, http://www.takungpao.com/, 2011-08-27.]

[54] Zhu Tao. Li Changjiang. The Director of AQSIQ resigned his position for making mistakes. Finance and Economics Net, 2008-09-22. [ 朱弢. 国家质检总局局长李长江引咎辞职. 财经网, 2008-09-22, http://www.caijing.com.cn/2008-09-22/110014694.html, 2011-08-27.]

[55] Zhu Yan. A hundred of lawyers grouped voluntarily to defend the rights of victims in Sanlu Milk-powder Scandal. Xinjing News, 2008-09-25. [朱燕. 百位律师组建志愿律师团. 为三鹿奶粉受害者维权. 新京报, 2008-09-25, http://www.bjnews.com.cn/, 2011-08-27.]

[56] A guide to make a claim for compensation for victims in Sanlu Milk-powder Scandal. Sina Net, 2008-09-13. [三鹿问 题奶粉事件消费者索赔指南. 新浪网, 2008-09-13, http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2008-09-13/091816285924.shtml.]

[57] A Briefing on the Work of Voluntary Lawyers in Sanlu Milk-powder Scandal (1-4). 163 News Center, 2008-10-05. [三 鹿奶粉事件志愿律师团工作简报(1-4 期). 网易新闻中心, 2008-10-05, http://news.163.com/08/1005/14/4NGEES0200012Q9L.html, 2011-08-27.]

[58] Ye Doudou. It was difficult to apply for civil compensation. Finance and Economics Net, 2008-10-07. [叶逗逗.“毒奶 粉事件” 民事赔偿举步维艰. 财经网, 2008-10-07, http://www.caijing.com.cn/2008-10-07/110018150.html, 2011-08-27.]

[59] Harrison J L. 'Accidents' and invisibilities: Scaled discourse and the naturalization of regulatory neglect in California's pesticide drift conflict. Political Geography, 2006, 25(5): 506-529.

[60] Haarstad H, Fl?ysand A. Globalization and the power of rescaled narratives: A case of opposition to mining in Tambogrande, Peru. Political Geography, 2007, 26(3): 289-308.

[61] Jonas A. Pro-scale: Further reflections on the 'scale debate' in human geography. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 2006, 31(3): 399-406.
Options
Outlines

/

〈 〉