This analysis is based on 3 years of experience as DFID social development adviser in Beijing. The current work at ISS is embedded in a research project codirected with Peter van Bergeijk and Rolph van der Hoeven, on ‘A Crisis of Capitalism? A Crisis of Development!’ The paper was first presented at the DSA conference in September 2009, and I am grateful for the stimulating feedback from participants and comments from two anonymous referees.
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Special Issue Article
A defining moment? China's social policy response to the financial crisis
Article first published online: 19 JUL 2010
DOI: 10.1002/jid.1726
Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Issue
1099-1328/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=fd413a4d60b54785477481c87152296ee1c95e79 "Journal of International Development")
Journal of International Development
Special Issue: Development Studies Association Conference 2009 "Current Crises and New Opportunities": The Global Financial Crisis of 2008-2009: An Opportunity for Development?
Volume 22, Issue 6, pages 758–771, August 2010
Additional Information
How to Cite
de Haan, A. (2010), A defining moment? China's social policy response to the financial crisis. J. Int. Dev., 22: 758–771. doi: 10.1002/jid.1726
Publication History
- Issue published online: 19 JUL 2010
- Article first published online: 19 JUL 2010
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- financial crisis;
- stimulus package;
- social unrest;
- social policy;
- harmonious society
Abstract
This paper discusses whether China's response to the 2008–2009 financial crisis is a ‘defining moment’, whether it is leading to a departure of China's export-driven development model and whether the large stimulus package is strengthening its social policies and leading towards a more egalitarian structure. Two years after the crisis, it seems China has been very successful in managing the crisis, reaffirming political legitimacy, monitoring potential social unrest and introducing a wide range of promotive measures, even though this did not imply the sudden shift to promotion of household consumption some observers were arguing for. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.