Dang'an
Dang'an (档案) refers to a person's official record or file, typically in China. It is a comprehensive collection of documents relating to an individual's life, education, work history, political affiliations, and other important aspects deemed relevant by the government or employing organizations.
The dang'an system is a legacy of the planned economy and socialist governance, designed to track and manage individuals throughout their lives. It plays a significant role in determining access to opportunities, such as employment, housing, and social welfare benefits.
A dang'an typically includes documents such as:
- Application forms
- Academic transcripts
- Employment contracts
- Performance evaluations
- Political affiliations (e.g., Communist Party membership)
- Disciplinary actions
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal self-assessments
- Other official records
Access to and control of one's dang'an are generally restricted. Individuals are often not permitted to directly view or modify their own dang'an. The file is typically maintained by the employing organization (e.g., a state-owned enterprise, government agency, or university) or by a designated government archive.
The importance of the dang'an system has somewhat diminished with economic reforms and the rise of a more market-oriented economy in China. However, it remains a significant aspect of the administrative and personnel management system, particularly within state-controlled sectors. The accuracy and completeness of a dang'an can still have a notable impact on an individual's career prospects and overall well-being.