Intellectuals

Intellectuals could identify weaknesses in administration and cultural policy that might otherwise remain hidden. Worker strikes and protests during 1956 added to the pressure to address grievances rather than allow discontent to grow outside official channels.

Intellectuals, including teachers, scholars and writers, were vulnerable because their knowledge and authority could be labelled ‘capitalist’ or hostile to Mao’s revolution. Regular school teaching stopped in 1966 as students turned to political campaigning. Teachers who had previously exercised authority over pupils could now become their targets.