Government controls, non-government reactions: Private radio manufacturing and the development of amateur radio in China (1912–1949)

As in most countries, the Republic of China’s development of amateur radio benefited from the appeal of the amateur radio medium as well as characteristics of its technology, and it was also impacted by external factors such as war. Against a background of tradition, newly formed, but extremely strong, popular scientific beliefs fueled conflicts between state power and folk forces which played a key role in China’s amateur radio development. In this study we will explore the tensions between the Chinese government’s concerns for national security and distrust of folk radio research, and the rising, public demand for amateur radio. We consider how negotiations between state power and folk forces happen, and what further factors influence the construction and development of radio technology. Our analysis adopts the constructivist approach of Social Shaping of Technology (SST) theory, which focuses on the role of social factors in processes of co-construction and negotiation in technological development. We identify the folk forces, represented by the interaction between private enterprises and amateurs, as well as state power, as two of the main social factors that influenced the development of radio technology in China. From 1912 to 1937, the Chinese government was suspicious of amateur radio activities, and as a result, they instituted policies unfavorable to its development. In contrast, the Yamei Radio Co. Ltd. led the private radio manufacturing enterprises in promoting the development of amateur radio and the popularization of related technologies. In tandem, radio amateurs assisted in the promotion and technological innovation of Yamei products. From 1937 to 1949, with the government’s semi-supportive and semi-skeptical attitude, amateur radio associations did make some progress. Benefiting from the early work performed by private enterprises, these associations grew into a new folk force to challenge government control, and they continued to promote the popularization and development of radio technology. Our study illuminates complex relationship among government control, non-governmental reaction, and technological development in a specific context. When there is a conflict, folk forces have the ability to mobilize against policy-driven obstacles, thus to counterbalance government control. This study not only provides a new case for SST research, but it also adds to our understanding of China’s radio technology, amateur radio, and radio manufacturing industry.