This paper reviewed the research papers on this issue from the following aspects: the scale of villages and towns, transformation of their function, streamlining its staff, the pattern of system innovation, and some related strategies.

• 社会各界对这一问题的研究成果，可从乡镇建制的去留、乡镇规模的确定、乡镇职能的转变、乡镇人员的精减及分流安置、乡镇政权体制改革的模式选择及相关改革措施的配套等六个方面加以述评。