Hostname: page-component-76fb5796d-r6qrq Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-25T15:52:51.568Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The Big Society in China: A Failed Experiment1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 August 2012

Jie Lei  and
Alan Walker
Jie Lei
Affiliation:
Sun Yat-sen University, China E-mail: leijie199147@163.com
Alan Walker
Affiliation:
Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield E-mail: a.c.walker@sheffield.ac.uk
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

From 1988 the Chinese Government pursued a policy of ‘small government, big society’. The policy was determined at the highest level and, after a pilot study in Hainan Province, was implemented vigorously in a series of political reforms. It was the chief political dimension of the economic restructuring which led from state ownership of enterprises to the so-called socialist market. Like its economic counterpart, it reflected China's adoption of neo-liberal ideology. The aims were to encourage both civil society and the private market to provide social welfare and, thereby, to restrict demands on public expenditure. However, it failed to realise these goals and was recently replaced by a more state oriented approach. The article discusses the Chinese big society project and, specifically, examines why it was introduced, what it consisted of, its impact on social welfare, the criticisms it attracted and its recent changes in nature. The article concludes by considering some possible lessons for the UK Coalition Governments’ big society project and any similar initiatives attempted in other countries.

Keywords

Small governmentbig societysocialisation of social welfarecare for older peopleChina
Type
Articles
Information
Social Policy and Society , Volume 12 , Issue 1 , January 2013 , pp. 17 - 30
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Bian, Y.-j. (1994) Work and Inequality in Urban China, Albany: State University of New York Press.Google Scholar
Chan, C. L. W. (1993) The Myth of Neighbourhood Mutual Help: The Contemporary Chinese Community-Based Welfare System in Guangzhou, Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.Google Scholar
Chan, C. L. W. and Chow, N. W. S. (1992) More Welfare after Economic Reform? Welfare Development in the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong: University of Hong Kong.Google Scholar
Chan, C. K., Ngok, K. L. and Phillips, D. (2008) Social Policy in China Development and Well-being, Bristol: The Policy Press.Google Scholar
Chen, S.-y. (1996) Social Policy of the Economic State and Community Care in Chinese Culture: Aging, Family, Urban Change, and the Socialist Welfare Pluralism, Aldershot: Avebury.Google Scholar
Corbett, C. and Walker, A. (2012) ‘The Big Society: rediscovery of “the Social” or rhetorical fig leaf for neo-liberalism’, draft available from authors.Google Scholar
Cui, N.-f. (1988) ‘Cui Nai-fu Zai Quanguo Minzhengting Juzhang Zuotanhuishang De Zongjie Baogao [Summary report by Cui Nai-fu on the Conference for the Directors of Provincial Departments of Civil Affairs across the Country]’, in Affairs, Ministry of Civil (ed.), Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo Minzheng Gongzuo Huibian [Document Collections of the Work of Civil Affairs of the P.R.C. Vol. 1], Beijing: China Legal Publishing House, pp. 99–101.Google Scholar
Cui, N.-f. (1992) ‘Cui Nai-fu Zai Quanguo Minzhengting Juzhang Zuotanhuishang De Jianghua [Speech by Cui Nai-fu on the Conference for the Directors of Provincial Departments of Civil Affairs across the Country]’, in Affairs, Ministry of Civil (ed.), Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo Minzheng Gongzuo Huibian [Document Collections of the Work of Civil Affairs of the P.R.C. Vol. 1], Beijing: China Legal Publishing House, pp. 135–38.Google Scholar
Deng, X.-p. (1980) ‘Dang He Guojia Lingdao Zhidu De Gaige [Reform of the leadership system of the party and the state]’, in Central Party Literature, Editorial Committee of (ed.), Deng Xiao-ping Wenxuan Di'erjuan [Selected Collections of Deng Xiao-ping Part Two], Beijing: People's Publishing House, pp. 320–43.Google Scholar
Deng, X.-p. (1987) ‘Gaige De Buzi Yao Jiakuai [Reform shall be speeded up]’, in Party Literature Research Centre of CPC Central Committee (ed.), Shi'erda Yilai Zhongyao Wenxian Xuanbian Xia [Selected Collections of the Important Documents since the Twelfth National Congress of the CPC Part Three], http://cpc.people.com.cn/GB/64184/64186/66680/4493952.html [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Dou, Y.-p. (2007) ‘Woguo De Shehui Fuli He Youfu Anzhi [Social welfare and preferential treatment and settlement in our country]’, http://fss.mca.gov.cn/article/ldjh/200712/20071200007910.shtml [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Dou, Y.-p. (2008) ‘Zhuoli Tuijin Yanlao Fuwu Shehuihua [To greatly promote the socialisation of elderly service]’, http://shfl.mca.gov.cn/article/ldjh/200809/20080900019982.shtml [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Dou, Y.-p. (2010) ‘Jiakuai Jianquan Shehui Yanglao Fuwu Tixi [To accelerate the establishment of the socialisation system of elderly services]’, http://shfl.mca.gov.cn/article/ldjh/201011/20101100113189.shtml [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Duoji, C.r. (1994a) ‘Tuidong Shequ Fuwuye Quanmian Fazhan [Promoting the development of community service]’, in Cairang, Duoji (ed.), Minzheng Gongzuo Yanjiu Yu Shijian [Research and Practice of the Civil Affairs Work Vol. 1], Beijing: China Social Sciences Press, pp. 55–65.Google Scholar
Duoji, C.r. (1994b) ‘Duoji Cairang Zai Dishici Quanguo Minzheng Huiyishang De Gongzuo Baogao [Work report by Duoji Cairang on the Tenth National Conference of Civil Affairs]’, in Civil Affairs, Ministry of (ed.), Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo Minzheng Gongzuo Huibian [Document Collections of the Work of Civil Affairs of the P.R.C. Vol. 1], Beijing: China Legal Publishing House, pp. 184–91.Google Scholar
Duoji, C.r. (1998) ‘Guanyu Shehui Fuli Shehuihua De Jige Wenti [On several problems about the socialisation of social welfare]’, Zhongguo Shehui Gongzuo [China Social Work], 4, 4–7.Google Scholar
Duoji, C.r. (1999) ‘Yi Shequ Fuwu Wei Jichu, Tuidong Shequ Jianshe Shijian [Promoting community building based on community service]’, in Cairang, Duoji (ed.), Minzheng Gongzuo Yanjiu Yu Shijian [Research and Practice of the Civil Affairs Work Vol. 2], Beijing: China Social Sciences Press, pp. 449–53.Google Scholar
Duoji, C.r. (2002a) ‘Zuohao Minzheng Gongzuo Bixu Zhengque Chuli Liuge Zhongyao Guanxi [Six important relations must be correctly handled in the work of Civil Affairs]’, in Cairang, Duoji (ed.), Minzheng Gongzuo Yanjiu Yu Shijian [Research and Practice of the Civil Affairs Work Vol. 2], Beijing: China Social Sciences Press, pp. 679–89.Google Scholar
Duoji, C.r. (2002b) ‘Xinshiqi Minzheng Gongzuo De Zhanwang [The prospects of the work of Civil Affairs in the new era]’, in Cairang, Duoji (ed.), Minzheng Gongzuo Yanjiu Yu Shijian [Research and Practice of the Civil Affairs Work Vol. 2], Beijing: China Social Sciences Press, pp. 656–70.Google Scholar
Eleventh CPC Central Committee (1978) ‘Zhongguo Gongchandang Di Shiyijie Zhongyang Weiyuanhui Disanci Huiyi Gongbao [Communiqué of the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh CPC Central Committee]’, in Party Literature Research Centre of CPC Central Committee (ed.), Sanzhong Quanhui Yilai Zhongyao Wenxian Xuanbian Shang [Selected Collections of the Important Documents since the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee Part One], http://cpc.people.com.cn/GB/64184/64186/66677/4493869.html [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Fan, B.-j. (1997) ‘Minzhengbu Fubuzhang Fan Bao-jun Zai Quanguo Minzhengting Juzhang Huiyishang De Zongjie Jianghua [Speech by the Deputy Minister of Civil Affairs Fan Bao-jun on the National Conference for the Directors of Provincial Departments of Civil Affairs]’, in Affairs, Ministry of Civil (ed.),Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo Minzheng Gongzuo Huibian [Document Collections of the Work of Civil Affairs of the P.R.C. Vol. 1], Beijing: China Legal Publishing House, pp. 304–5.Google Scholar
Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Civil Affairs (2009) ‘Guangzhoushi Minban Shehui Fuli Jigou Zizhu Shixing Banfa [Temporary regulation about sponsoring the masses-run social welfare institutions]’, http://mzzt.mca.gov.cn/article/yltjh/zcfg/201011/20101100112996.shtml [assessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Civil Affairs, Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Finance and Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Health (2008) ‘Guangzhoushi Shequ Jujia Yanglao Fuwu Shishi Banfa [Regulation of the community care in Guangzhou]’, http://www.gzmz.gov.cn/zwgl/flwj/gz/200901/3461.html [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Civil Affairs and Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Finance (2011) ‘Guangyu Kuoda Woshi Zhangzhe Changshou Baojianjin Fafang Fanwei He Tigao Fafang Biaozhun De Gongzuo Chengxu De Tongzhi [Notice about expanding the scope of beneficiaries and enhancing the standard of old-age allowance]’, http://www.gzmz.gov.cn/zwgl/flwj/gfxwj/201105/9809.html [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Hu, J.-t. (2007) ‘Gaoju Zhongguo Tese Shehui Zhuyi Weida Qichi Wei Duoqu Quanmian Jianshe Xiaokang Shehui Xinshengli Er Fendou [Hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics and strive for new victories in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects]’, in Party Literature Research Centre of CPC Central Committee (ed.), Shiqida Yilai Zhongyao Wenxian Xuanbian Shang [Selected Collections of the Important Documents since the Seventeenth National Congress of the CPC Part One], http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2007–10/24/content_6938568.htm [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Jiang, Z.-m. (1992) ‘Jiakuai Gaige Kaifang He Xiandaihua Jianshe Bufa, Duoqu You Zhongguo Tese Shehui Zhuyi Shiye De Gengda Shengli [To accelerate the pace of reform and opening-up and modernization: to seize great victory of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics]’, in Party Literature Research Centre of CPC Central Committee (ed.), Shisida Yilai Zhongyao Wenxian Xuanbian Shang [Selected Collections of the Important Documents since the Fourteenth National Congress of the CPC Part One], http://cpc.people.com.cn/GB/64184/64186/66685/4494252.html [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Jones, C. (1993) ‘The Pacific challenge: Confucian welfare states’, in Jones, C. (ed.), New Perspectives on the Welfare State in Europe, London: Routledge, pp. 198–217.Google Scholar
Leung, J. C. B. (2005) ‘Social welfare in China’, in Walker, A. and Wong, C. K. (eds.), East Asian Welfare Regimes in Transition, Bristol: Policy Press, pp. 49–72.Google Scholar
Leung, J. C. B. and Nann, R. C. (1995) Authority and Benevolence: Social Welfare in China, Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press.Google Scholar
Li, D.-h., Hu, F.-y., Zhang, Z.-a., WuG,-q. G,-q. and Zhuo, Z.-j. (2002) ‘Guanyu Shanghaishi Fazhan Minban Yanglao Jigou Xianzhuang Wenti He Duice Jianyi’ [Suggestions about the current situations, problems and solutions of the development of non-government institutions], Shanghai Laonianbao [Newspaper for Shanghai Elderly], 29 June, 4.Google Scholar
Li, X.-j. (2008) ‘Guanyu Jiakuai Fazhan Yanglao Fuwu Shiye [On rapidly developing the elderly service]’, http://shfl.mca.gov.cn/article/ldjh/200902/20090200027020.shtml [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Liao, X. (1988) Makesi Engesi Xiaozhengfu Sixiang Yu Dangdai Jingji Gaige [The Thinking of Small Government by Marx and Engels and Contemporary Economic Reform], Haikou: Hainan People's Publishing House.Google Scholar
Luo, G. (1993) ‘Guanyu Guowuyuan Jigou Gaige Fang'an De Shuoming [Explanations about the plan of the reform of the departments under the State Council]’, http://www.law-lib.com/fzdt/newshtml/20/20050729180818.htm [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Luo, G. (1998) ‘Guanyu Guowuyuan Jigou Gaige Fang'an De Shuoming [Explanations about the plan of the reform of the departments under the State Council]’, http://www.people.com.cn/GB/shizheng/252/10434/10435/20030306/937505.html [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Luo, G.-c. and Lei, J. (2008) ‘Shehui Fuli Shehuihua De Xianjing Yi Guangzhou Laoren Yuanshe Weili [The trap of the socialisation of social welfare: a case of Guangzhou institutional care]’, Huadong Ligong Daxue Xuebao (Shehui Kexueban) [Journal of East China University of Sciences and Technology (Social Science Edition)], 1, 25–9.Google Scholar
McCarthy, M. (ed.) (1989) The New Politics of Welfare, Houndmills: Macmillan.Google Scholar
Ministry of Civil Affairs (1991) ‘Minzheng Shiye Fazhan Shinian Guihua He Bawu Jihua Gangyao [The Ten-Year Plan of the development of Civil Affairs and the outline of the Eighth Five-Year Plan]’, in Affairs, Ministry of Civil (ed.), Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo Minzheng Gongzuo Huibian [Document Collections of the Work of Civil Affairs of the P.R.C. Vol. 1], Beijing: China Legal Publishing House, pp. 125–9.Google Scholar
Ministry of Civil Affairs (1985) ‘Minzhengbu Guanyu Yinfa Quanguo Minzhengting Juzhang Huiyi Jiyao De Tongzhi [Notice by the Ministry of Civil Affairs about circulating the summary of the National Conference for the Directors of Provincial Departments of Civil Affairs]’, in Affairs, Ministry of Civil (ed.), Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo Minzheng Gongzuo Huibian [Document Collections of the Work of Civil Affairs of the P.R.C. Vol. 1], Beijing: China Legal Publishing House, pp. 58–61.Google Scholar
Ministry of Civil Affairs (2010) ‘A11-Expenditures of Civil Affairs’, China Civil Affairs’, Statistical Yearbook 2010, Beijing: China Statistics Press.Google Scholar
Ministry of Civil Affairs (2011) ‘Shehui Yanglao Fuwu Tixi Jianshe Shierwu Guihua (Yijian Gao) [The Twelfth Five-Year Plan of the system of socialised elderly service (Draft)]’, http://www.mca.gov.cn/article/zwgk/mzyw/201102/20110200133797.shtml [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
National Office of the Committee of Ageing and China Ageing Association (2004) China Statistical Yearbook of the Work of Ageing 1982–2002, Beijing: Hualing Press.Google Scholar
National Office of the Committee of Ageing and China Ageing Association (2006) China Statistical Yearbook of the Work of Ageing 2003–2005, Beijing: Hualing Press.Google Scholar
National Office of the Committee of Ageing and China Ageing Association (2009) China Statistical Yearbook of the Work of Ageing 2008–2009, Beijing: Hualing Press.Google Scholar
Office of the State Council (2000) ‘Guanyu Jiakuai Shixian Shehui Fuli Shehuihua De Yijian [Suggestions about speeding up the socialisation of social welfare]’, http://shfl.mca.gov.cn/article/zcfg/zonghe/200809/20080900019761.shtml [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Shaw, V. N. (1996) Social Control in China: A Study of Chinese Work Units, London: Praeger.Google Scholar
Song, P. (1988) ‘Guanyu Guowuyuan Jigou Gaige Fang'an De Shuoming [Explanations about the plan of the reform of the departments under the State Council]’, http://www.law-lib.com/fzdt/newshtml/20/20050721212027.htm [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
State Council (1988) ‘Guowuyuan Pizhuan Guanyu Hainandao Jinyibu Duiwai Kaifang Jiakuai Jingji Kaifa Jianshe De Zuotanhui Jiyao De Tongzhi [Summary forwarded by the State Council about the further opening-up and the acceleration of economic development of Hainan Island]’, http://www.hainan.gov.cn/data/news/2008/01/44717/ [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Wang, Z.-y. (2003) ‘Guanyu Guowuyuan Jigou Gaige Fang'an De Shuoming [Explanations about the plan of the reform of the departments under the State Council]’, http://www.5izy.cn/articles/h000/h02/1167352564d2193.html [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Walder, A. (1986) Communist Neo-Traditionalism: Work and Authority in Chinese Industry, Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.Google Scholar
Walker, A. (1990) ‘The strategy of inequality – poverty and income distribution in Britain 1979–89’, in Taylor, I. (ed.), The Social Effects of Free Market Policies, Hemel Hempstead: Harvester Wheatsheaf, pp. 29–48.Google Scholar
Walker, A. and Wong, C. K. (1996) ‘Rethinking the Western construction of the welfare state’, International Journal of Health Services, 26, 1, 67–92.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Walker, A. and Wong, C.-K. (2005) East Asian Welfare Regimes in Transition: From Confucianism to Globalisation, Bristol: The Policy Press.Google Scholar
Walker, A. and Wong, C.-k. (2009) ‘The relationship between social policy and economic policy: constructing the public burden of welfare in China and the West’, Development and Society, 38, 1, 1–26.Google Scholar
Wang, M., Deng, G.-s. and Gu, L.-s. (2001) Zhongguo NGO Yanjiu 2001: Yi Ge'an Wei Zhongxin [Case study on China's NGOs 2001], Nagoya: United Nations Centre for Regional Development.Google Scholar
Wilkinson, R. and Pickett, K. (2009) The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better, London: Allen Lane.Google Scholar
Wong, C.-k. and Lee, P. N.-s. (2001) ‘Economic reform and social welfare: the Chinese perspective portrayed through a social survey in Shanghai’, Journal of Contemporary China, 10, 28, 517–32.Google Scholar
Wong, L. (1994) ‘Privatization of social welfare in post-Mao China’, Asian Survey, 34, 4, 307–25.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wong, L. (1998) Marginalization and Social Welfare in China, London: Routledge.Google Scholar
Zhang, K.-t. (2011) ‘Quanguo Chengxiang Shineng Laonianren Zhuangkuang Yanjiu [Research of the urban and rural older people with dysfunctions across the country]’, http://www.cncaprc.gov.cn/info/13085.html [accessed 07.12.2011].Google Scholar
Zhao, Z.-y. (1987) ‘Yanzhe You Zhongguo Tese De Shehui Zhuyi Daolu Qianjin [Advancing along the socialist road with Chinese characteristics]’, in Party Literature Research Centre of CPC Central Committee (ed.), Shisanda Yilai Zhongyao Wenxian Xuanbian Shang [Selected Collections of the Important Documents since the Thirteenth National Congress of the CPC Part One], Beijing: People's Publishing House, pp. 4–61.Google Scholar
Zhou, W.-w., Yan, X.-p., Zhao, W. and Qi, X. (2001) ‘Chengshi Laonian Qunti Shenghuo Xuqiu He Shequ Manzu Nengli De Xianzhuang Yu Wenti De Diaocha Fenxi [A survey of the current situations and problems about the needs of urban older people and the satisfaction of community provision]’, Zhongguo Renkou Kexue [Population Science of China], 4, 55–61.Google Scholar
Zhu, Y. (2006) ‘Guanyu Fuchi Minban Fuli Jigou Fazhan De Duice Yanjiu [Research about supporting the development of non-government institutions]’, Zhongguo Minzheng [China Civil Affairs], 8, 30–2.Google Scholar