The Changes in Discourse on Sects in Modern China
What is the evolution of official discourse on stigmatized religious groups in China, from the late 19th century until today? In imperial China, the state always defined itself as the upholder of orthodoxy against popular rebellions inspired by the heretical doctrines xiejiao. In the Peoples' Republic of China, from the 1950's to 80's, it was the label huidaomen, reactionary secret societies which was used by the Chinese Communist Party to stigmatize and repress hundreds of popular groups. But since the late 1990's, the term xiejiao reappeared in official discourse, translating the rhetoric of Western anti cult associations in order to justify the suppression of Falungong and other groups.