East Asian welfare regimes in transition

Eastern welfare systems have largely been neglected by Western social policy. There is very little information in the West about their operation and the differences between them. Yet, as China and South-East Asia emerge as a major regional economic block, it is vital to understand the social models that are in operation there and how they are developing. This book puts the spotlight on the Chinese and South-East Asian welfare systems, providing an up-to-date assessment of their character and development. In particular it examines the underlying assumptions of these systems and how the processes of globalisation are impacting on them. As well as specific country case studies, there is a valuable comparative analysis of Eastern and Western welfare states. The book: provides a unique insight into the main South-East Asian welfare systems written by experts living and working within them; focuses on ‘Confucianism’ and globalisation to provide an account of tradition and change within the South-East Asian cultural context. Eastern welfare states in transition will be essential reading for students of social policy requiring an understanding of non-Western welfare systems.
Policy makers and practitioners who are interested in how Eastern welfare systems are adapting to globalisation will also find it an important read.

Author Biography

Alan Walker is Professor of Social Policy at the University of Sheffield and has been writing and researching in this field for over 30 years. He has a long association with China and Sout-East Asia and has supervised 20 doctoral students from the region. Chack-kie Wong is a Professor in the Department of Social Work at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He has carried out research in Hong Kong and other parts of China.