Poverty and Inequality and Social Policy in China

Despite prolonged economic growth, poverty has become a more notable andnoted feature of Chinese society. The paper examines three phases ofdevelopment since the foundation of the People’s Republic: the central planningera (1949 –1978); the pro-urban growth model (1978 – 1999); and more recentchanges (1999 – 2004). For each phase the nature of the economic and socialpolicies are described and the effects on poverty and inequality are examined.The limitations of a social policy that is subservient to the economic strategy areconsidered. The alternative of a model of social development based on thelivelihood approach is analysed and its potential to reduce poverty andinequality are considered.[...]