Kenneth Kent

Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Yu, Sherry

Area of Concentration

East Asian Studies

Abstract

This thesis examines how the cigarette has become the leading cause of preventable death in China today, by exploring the history, culture, production and consumption patterns rooted in the premodern era. Tobacco use is tied to social status and is a means of developing social connections. Culturally, tobacco is used in similar ways as tea in social settings. Historically, China has utilized products like tea, tobacco, and opium as symbols of culture. The introduction of the cigarette, however, has led to profound complications that warrant further scrutinization. This thesis investigates the rise of the cigarette in power, its origination, producer and consumer market adaptations, health concerns, and policy implications. Recommendations on the design and implementation of public policy to alleviate the cigarette epidemic is provided in the conclusion.

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