Scientific-technological Elite And The Forming Pattern In Modern China

The research of scientific-technological elite is one of the core issues of the sociology of science. China’s science and technology personnel showed a clear differentiation trend in research resources, scientific achievements, and scientific rewards. According to the quantity of research projects, the quality of research projects, the quantity of papers, the quality of papers, and quantity of awards, Chinese science and technology personnel could be divided into upper rank, middle rank and lower rank. The shape of scientific stratification took on a "pyramid" structure. Science and technology personnel in the upper rank were currently China’s scientific-technological elites.They had far more projects, papers, and rewards. The quality of papers and quality of projects of the middle rank were higher than the upper rank, owing to the age gap between the middle rank and the upper rank.Compared to all science and technology personnel, elite group were more likely to be man instead of woman. Elite group were older than the others, and they benefit from their seniority. Family background had no significant effect on the formation of the elites. The education of elite group was better than others, which strongly influenced the formation of elite group. Universities and research institute had more elites than other institutions. The type of work and the rank of institutes also had effect on elite group. In addition, the social networks of scientific-technological elites were superior to others.Linear regression models showed that age, first degree, final degree, studying overseas, category of institutions, the rank of institutions, the position of supervisor, academic position, management position, and other factors influenced the status in the hierarchy of scientific community. China’s scientific-technological elites were shaped by China’s social structure and social change, the transformation of science-technology system, and the advancement of big science. Because of the transformation of Chinese society, the reform of Chinese science-technology system, and the coming of big science, China’s scientific-technological elites showed unique characteristics and forming pattern. In addition, the theory of cumulative-advantage faced empirical challenges and theoretical difficulties.