Dual decentralization in China's transitional economy: Welfare regionalism and policy implications for central–local relationship

Ka Ho Joshua MOK, Xiao Fang WU

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlespeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In the last three decades, China has experienced dual decentralization in transforming its economy, resulting in decentralization and deconcentration in public administration and social service delivery. Under the policy framework of decentralization, particularly when welfare financing has been decentralized to local governments, the emergence of welfare regionalism is evident in China. This paper sets out against this policy context to examine how three local governments in eastern coastal areas in China handle changing labour welfare needs by institutionalizing social and labour protection measures to meet the local needs instead of implementing central policy. With particular reference to examine why regional variations exist in welfare provision even though the socio-economic development status is similar in these areas, this paper shows how different forms of capitals, government's governance style and diversity of industries have affected welfare arrangements for labour in China. Copyright © 2013 Policy and Society Associates (APSS). Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)61-75
JournalPolicy and Society
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2013

Citation

Mok, Ka H., Wu, X. F. (2013). Dual decentralization in China's transitional economy: Welfare regionalism and policy implications for central–local relationship. Policy and Society, 32(1), 61-75.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dual decentralization in China's transitional economy: Welfare regionalism and policy implications for central–local relationship'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.