The Political Pragmatism of Steamship "Teaboys": Reassessing the Chinese Labor Movement, 1927–1934

This article examines the emergence of a sense of opportunism among "teaboys"—a group of steamship attendants working in Chinese waters—and the transformation of solidarity between them. Beginning in 1927, the foundation of these attendants' unity based on surrogate and natural kinship was weakened. Solidarity evolved from a Green Gang–linked structure to one revolving around powerful individuals and sustained by government bureaucracies or party authorities. This article contributes to labor history by stressing that the attendants' labor activities were rooted in political pragmatism, as shown in their shifting loyalties. Moreover, the article suggests that, in addition to strikes, the attendants used violence and bribery as alternative or indirect means to shape labor politics. Finally, it outlines the new, opportunistic patron-client relationship forged in the world of steamship attendants after 1927.