The Space Construction in the United Front Work of the Emerging Social Groups: Based on the Work Experience from Minhang District in Shanghai

Abstract

This paper proposes a theoretical framework for the united front work of the emerging social groups. This framework is based on the important and unique role that space construction plays in this kind of work. In terms of nature, the space aligns with the intersection of the groups’ economic and political attributes; in terms of purpose, it focuses on fostering unity and providing guidance to the groups; and in terms of effectiveness, it facilitates the political socialization and self-organization of the groups. Grounded in the space logic, Minhang District in Shanghai has implemented a series of practical initiatives centered on the construction of “new space”: the key to creating “new space” lies in taking root in the domains where the emerging social groups work and live under the leadership of the Party; the focus of operating “new space” is to serve the emerging social groups and guide them to contribute to the state and society; and the direction for expanding “new space” is to provide platform support and serve as a reference for work in other fields. The space construction in the united front work of the emerging social groups not only constitutes a theoretical explanatory framework with universal value, but also provides practical experience of general significance for such work.