Five Black Categories

The "Five Black Categories" (Chinese: 黑五类; pinyin: Hēiwǔlèi) were classifications of political identity and social status in Mao era (1949–1976) of the People's Republic of China, especially during the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966–1976); these categories include landlords, rich farmers, counter-revolutionaries, bad influencers and rightists.

[1][2][3] People who were labelled as members of these five groups were discriminated against in society and were considered enemies of the Cultural Revolution, subject to constant persecution and even massacres.

[9] Conversely, Mao categorized groups of people, such as members of the Chinese Communist Party, poor farmers and low class workers, as Five Red Categories.

Starting from the "Red August" of 1966 in Beijing, members in the Five Black Categories were separated out for struggle sessions, humiliation, re-education, beating, and persecution.

[3][10][12] Mao believed that victimizing these people, as well as other groups of citizens – such as teachers, educated intellectuals, and enemies of the Communist Party (cadres) – was a necessary component to initiate the changes in the Chinese culture that he desired.