Postgraduate Course: Social Policy in China since 1978 (ASST11117)
Course Outline
| School | School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | Social policy in China has experienced significant changes in the years since reform and opening was established as the guiding policy agenda in 1978. During this time China experienced dramatic changes in how it's economy is managed and how the state distributes resources to support those in need. The Chinese state and ruling elite have struggled with competing interests and policy agendas as they have sought to untangle themselves from the social policy commitments of the pre-1978 era as well as seeking to ensure that the population continue to receive the basic social provisions they are entitled to and expect. This has meant that the period from 1978 has been characterised by a wide range of social policy reforms and new policy developments which researchers have been examining and debating. In this course we will explore both the policy developments and the academic debates regarding Chinese social policy in the period since 1978. |
| Course description |
In the years since 1978 China's system of social policy has experienced significant changes. The establishment of the twin policies of reform and opening transformed the political, administrative, economic, and social structure of China which meant that existing social policy was rendered either inadequate or irrelevant. In some areas it created new problems which fell outside the existing system and required new policy. During this time China experienced dramatic changes in how it's economy is managed and how the state distributes and resources we support to those in need. The Chinese state has struggled with competing interests and policy agendas as it has sought to untangle itself from the social policy commitments of the pre-1978 era as well as seeking to ensuring that the population continue to receive the basic social provisions they are entitled to. This has meant that the period from 1978 has been characterised by a wide range of social policy reforms and new policy developments which researchers have been examining and debating.
In this course we will explore both the policy developments and the academic debates regarding Chinese social policy during the period from 1978. The course will first introduce students to the context within which Chinese social policy is made, the key actors who are involved in decision making and implementation, and the processes which govern social policy. The course will then use original documents, available in Chinese and English, including policy plans, work reports, circulars, regulations, and laws alongside the academic literature to answer questions about how and why Chinese social policy has developed in the way it has in the decades since 1978. The course will finish with sessions addressing Chinese social policy developments in a broader comparative context and what future challenges and change might be.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe and explain social policy developments in China since 1978.
- Articulate and evaluate the academic debate addressing different social policy developments.
- Critically discuss and evaluate primary evidence relevant to understand social policy in China.
- Identify and use appropriately resources relevant to understanding social policy in China.
- Produce appropriately written and formatted work for assessment.
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Reading List
Essential:
Ngok, K. and Chan, C.K. (eds). 2016. China's Social Policy: Transformations and Challenges. London: Routledge.
Carrillo, B., Hood, J., and Kadetz, P. 2017. Handbook of Welfare in China. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.
Recommended:
Carrillo, B. and Duckett. 2011. China's Changing Welfare Mix: Local Perspectives. London: Routledge.
Besharov, D. and Baehler, K. 2013. Chinese Social Policy in a Time of Transition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Leung. J.C.B. and Nann, R.C. 1995. Authority and Benevolence. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press.
Leung, J.C.B. and Xu, Yuebin. 2015.China's Social Welfare. Cambridge: Polity Press.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Research and enquiry: Problem solving; analytical thinking; critical thinking; knowledge integration and application; handling complexity and ambiguity.
Personal and intellectual autonomy: Self-awareness and reflection; independent learning and development; creative and inventive thinking.
Personal effectiveness: Planning, organising and time management; team working; assertiveness and confidence; flexibility.
Communication: Interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication, presentation. |
| Keywords | China,Social Policy,Social Welfare,Social Security,Social Assistance,East Asia |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Daniel Hammond
Tel:
Email: Daniel.Hammond@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Charlotte McLean
Tel: (0131 6)50 4114
Email: cmclean9@exseed.ed.ac.uk |
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