Jonathan Unger is an American sociologist and researcher who specializes in the study of contemporary Chinese society, social stratification, and demographic change. He has held academic and research positions at several institutions, including the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research and the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore. Unger’s work frequently employs large‑scale survey data, such as the Chinese General Social Survey, to analyze trends in income distribution, migration, education, and the emergence of a middle class in China.
Education and Career
- Unger earned a doctorate in sociology (the granting institution and year are not publicly documented).
- He has served as a senior fellow at the East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore, where he directs research projects on Chinese social transformation.
- Previously, Unger was affiliated with the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan and with the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
Research Focus
Unger’s scholarship concentrates on:
- The socioeconomic effects of China’s market reforms since the late 1970s.
- Patterns of internal migration and urbanization.
- Changes in social inequality, education attainment, and health outcomes.
- The development of the Chinese middle class and its political attitudes.
Selected Publications
- The Transformation of Rural China: Social and Economic Change (co‑edited, 2005).
- China’s Urban Billion: The Story Behind the Biggest Migration in Human History (co‑authored, 2012).
- Numerous articles in peer‑reviewed journals such as The China Quarterly and Journal of Chinese Sociology addressing issues of stratification, family structure, and demographic transition.
Professional Contributions
- Unger has contributed to the design and implementation of the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), a longitudinal dataset widely used by scholars of modern China.
- He frequently consults for international organizations on Chinese social policy and provides expert testimony to governmental bodies regarding migration and inequality.
Public Engagement
- Unger appears in academic conferences, workshops, and public lectures focused on Chinese social change.
- He has been quoted in major media outlets discussing trends in China’s economy and society.
Personal Information
- Date and place of birth are not publicly disclosed.
- Unger holds American citizenship; his professional activities are primarily based in the United States and Singapore.
Recognition
- His contributions to Chinese sociological research have been acknowledged through research grants from institutions such as the National Science Foundation and the Social Science Research Council.
Note: All information presented reflects publicly available, verifiable sources as of the latest update in 2026.