Final answer:
In the 1980s, Deng Xiaoping introduced the "Four Modernizations," which brought greater incentives for farmers and entrepreneurs by breaking up collective farms and allowing the start of private businesses as part of economic reforms towards a market-oriented economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1980s, Deng Xiaoping's government implemented a new policy known as the "Four Modernizations", which aimed to modernize agriculture, industry, defense, and science and technology. One of the key economic reforms was the dismantling of collective farms, which gave farmers greater incentives to increase productivity. Additionally, business owners were encouraged to start their own businesses. These changes were part of an effort to introduce elements of capitalism and increase the Chinese standard of living. This shift to a more market-oriented economy allowed for private management of many state industries, while the largest industries remained under government supervision. Despite these changes, the government still ensured strict supervision of these changes under the Communist Party.