Current Research: aspects of social relations and organization in mainland China. In particular interested in (i) guanxi, its modes of governance and regulation and the ways in which it adapts to changing societal circumstances; (ii) family structure, including the way it changes as a consequence of internal migration; (iii) patterns and processes of inequality, especially related to privileged access to political resources. Have a continuing research interest in Max Weber's sociology. The current focus is Weber's sociology of religion. 

Jack Barbalet, Professor of Sociology, Institute for Religion, Politics and Society, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne | Chair Professor in Sociology & Head of the Sociology Department, Hong Kong Baptist University.(2011-17) | Professorial Fellow, Centre for Citizenship and Public Policy, University of Western Sydney (2009-11) | Foundation Professor of Sociology, University of Western Sydney (2008-2009) | Professor of Sociology, University of Leicester (1999-2008) | Earlier appointments in sociology at the Australian National University, in politics at the University of Adelaide and in economics at the University of Papua New Guinea.