Introduction

This book has attempted to tackle two core issues: the development of China's social policy since the beginning of the economic reforms, and the impact of welfare changes on the well-being of Chinese people. Chapters Five to Nine looked at five key welfare policy areas in the context of these economic reforms: social security, labour, health, education and housing. Economic reforms brought about tremendous changes to the lives of thousands of Chinese people, and their achievements could be measured by completely different approaches that lead to various conclusions. In return, these conclusions can affect the welfare approach of a country. For example, the Hong Kong government always boasts that it is the most free economy in the world based on an ‘index of economic freedom’ (The Heritage Foundation, 2007). Free market organisations and academics always react fiercely to any changes to free market principles, condemning the Hong Kong government's violation of the ‘principle of non-intervention’. Against the criteria of the free market, fiscal and welfare measures such as low taxation, a minimal level of social security, the lack of a minimum wage, widespread use of means-tested benefits and minimal restrictions to working hours are believed to be logical and reasonable. Thus, the selection of an assessment tool is a serious topic because it helps justify certain types of welfare practices that directly affect people's life chances and their quality of life.