Doing Propaganda:Revisiting the Construction of the Propaganda Network in the Early Period of the People's Republic of China from the Perspective of"Form"
The propaganda network stands as a crucial mechanism for the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda efforts,marking the establishment of an efficient,unified,and interconnected mass communication system across the nation-a milestone in the party's history.While prior research has predominantly focused on delineating the historical trajectory of constructing this network during the early years of the People's Republic of China and the significant organizational forces driving its development,it's commonly perceived that the network's eventual demise was due to its superficiality and lack of substantive impact.This article contends that the superficial"form"of the propaganda network serves as a crucial entry point for reevaluating its construction during the early stages of the People's Republic of China.Over time,this form evolved into a ritualized practice,shaping the core of organizational propaganda known as"doing propaganda."Building upon this premise,the article delves into the transformation of the propaganda network from a mere organizational concept to an institutionalized social reality.It examines this evolution through the lenses of action logic,meaning production,and action strategy,aiming to elucidate the ritual implications and shaping mechanisms of propaganda as a modern invention.Through this analysis,the article seeks to provide insights into the ritualistic nature and transformative potential of propaganda in contemporary society.