Seismic changes in ideology and economic policy in China followed the death of Mao Zedong but one aspect of culture that has remained constant. The use of `Model Workers' in both a political and commercial context continues to thrive in China and although the messages they promote have largely changed, their continued use indicates the extent to which they are believed to be an effective form of persuasion. Model Workers were deployed at key points in China's recent history and served to embody the Party's vision of the ideal Chinese citizen as they attempted to reshape the nation following...