The Chinese Welfare State in Transition: 1988-2007

Based on empirical evidence from the CHIP 1988-2007 data, Dr. Gao Qin will analyze the size, structure, and redistributive effect of the Chinese welfare state. He finds that the Chinese welfare state is much divided along the urban-rural line: the urban social benefit system, or the urban welfare state, stands among the more comprehensive and generous ones similar to those in the western industrialized countries, while the rural system is minimal and residual and similar to those in the least developed countries. The urban system has consistently reduced income inequality?despite to a lesser extent in recent years?and has remained progressive over time. The rural system had little impact on reducing income inequality and has been largely regressive. It is, however, moving toward a more progressive direction as indicated by the 2007 results. The social benefits for the migrants had significant increases from 2002 to 2007 and played an increasingly larger redistributive role. They are also moving toward a more progressive direction.

Dr. Qin Gao is an associate professor at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service in New York City. Dr. Gao?s research focuses on social welfare policies in China and their impact on poverty, inequality, and family well-being. Dr. Gao is particularly interested in examining the effectiveness of anti-poverty policies. Dr. Gao also conducts cross-national comparative social policy analysis across China, South Korea, and Vietnam. Dr. Gao received her Ph.D. from Columbia University.

After the program, speakers will take audience questions.

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