The chapter discusses the concept of a "risk society" introduced by German sociologist Ulrich Beck in his 1986 book *Risk Society*. Beck argues that modern society has evolved into a highly modern form, characterized by the unequal distribution of risks, which traditional social theories based on class or industrial structures have failed to explain. This shift necessitates a new approach in social theory, focusing on how to systematically avoid, minimize, and direct risks created during modernization. The chapter then delves into the contrast between the small peasant economy and the big market in China. The small peasant economy, a traditional feature of Chinese agriculture, is characterized by subsistence farming and limited surplus production. This economy was supported by the state due to its accessibility as a source of tax revenue and political stability. However, the introduction of modern industry and market forces disrupted this balance, leading to a dual urban-rural structure and a unique social scene. The market's "philosophy of money" broke down spatial and institutional barriers, integrating rural and urban areas into a nondiscriminatory exchange system. This integration exposed the weaknesses of the rural economy, leading to a significant gap between urban and rural health levels. The disruption of the rural health care network is highlighted, with insufficient investment, lack of health personnel, and backward equipment contributing to the decline of rural health services. The chapter also examines the transformation of medicine from a "benevolent" practice to a "formula for money-making" under market pressures. This shift has led to cost accounting, efficiency requirements, and a focus on profit-making, which has negatively impacted the quality of medical care and the accessibility of healthcare for rural residents. Finally, the chapter discusses the financial burden of medical expenses on peasants, particularly in the context of diseases like SARS. The high costs of medical treatment often force peasants to flee, delay treatment, or seek alternative solutions, highlighting the vulnerability and risk faced by rural populations in a risk society.The chapter discusses the concept of a "risk society" introduced by German sociologist Ulrich Beck in his 1986 book *Risk Society*. Beck argues that modern society has evolved into a highly modern form, characterized by the unequal distribution of risks, which traditional social theories based on class or industrial structures have failed to explain. This shift necessitates a new approach in social theory, focusing on how to systematically avoid, minimize, and direct risks created during modernization. The chapter then delves into the contrast between the small peasant economy and the big market in China. The small peasant economy, a traditional feature of Chinese agriculture, is characterized by subsistence farming and limited surplus production. This economy was supported by the state due to its accessibility as a source of tax revenue and political stability. However, the introduction of modern industry and market forces disrupted this balance, leading to a dual urban-rural structure and a unique social scene. The market's "philosophy of money" broke down spatial and institutional barriers, integrating rural and urban areas into a nondiscriminatory exchange system. This integration exposed the weaknesses of the rural economy, leading to a significant gap between urban and rural health levels. The disruption of the rural health care network is highlighted, with insufficient investment, lack of health personnel, and backward equipment contributing to the decline of rural health services. The chapter also examines the transformation of medicine from a "benevolent" practice to a "formula for money-making" under market pressures. This shift has led to cost accounting, efficiency requirements, and a focus on profit-making, which has negatively impacted the quality of medical care and the accessibility of healthcare for rural residents. Finally, the chapter discusses the financial burden of medical expenses on peasants, particularly in the context of diseases like SARS. The high costs of medical treatment often force peasants to flee, delay treatment, or seek alternative solutions, highlighting the vulnerability and risk faced by rural populations in a risk society.