China is undergoing reform as well as experiencing a developmental trend toward modernization and democratization. Fundamental social change is in the making. the social control system is faced with a challenge and revolution. Is present social control about to break down, leading to loss of community ties, dislocation, chaos, and social disorganization?

To answer this question, we must understand the basic structure, process, nature, history, and change of current social control. Is it diffusive, community-based? If it is, the breakdown of community ties may lead to social disorganization, and development of professional control networks will be the way to pull the society out of chaos and build a law- based social order. Is it excessive? When an excessive control structure loosens, it may collapse with a tremendously disruptive force that could send the society into chaos.

To understand the present Chinese social control system and be prepared for its transformation under reform, modernization, and democratization, I choose to begin with social control in Chinese work organizations. in China, work organizations are unitarily called danwei or "work units." the English translation of "work units" may sound strange and awkward but the term is probably the most frequently used phrase in contemporary China. Among ordinary people, "work unit" refers not only to where an individual works but also to where he or she lives and belongs. in official language, it means a basic social cell that receives and executes various policy programs of the communist party and government. What most signifies the importance of work units is that Chinese people tend to use "work unit" rather than "name" to identify individuals.