Understanding Complexity in the Role of Market Forces in the Construction of a Public Cultural Service System: Evidence from 435 Children's Libraries in China

China’s public cultural service system transitioned from a centrally controlled model to a more complex one due to the gradual introduction of market forces. This change brought new challenges and opportunities, making the role of market forces a practical concern. By analyzing data from 282 public and 153 private children’s libraries in China, this study investigates how market forces compensate for the government’s capacity limitations in constructing public cultural service systems. Results show that market factors within the scope of our study do not negatively impact the system but instead promote synergy between government and market entities to meet children’s cultural needs. It is essential not to sever the role of the market from its interdependent relationship with the government, as this stance is based on unrealistic assessments of how policies function in practice, potentially leading to inadequate public cultural services. This study provides novel empirical evidence from China by confirming the interdependent relationship between the market and the government in constructing public cultural service systems and highlights the significance of applying complexity thinking. Overall, understanding the complexity of the role of market forces is essential for the construction of a robust and inclusive public cultural service system.