Aging and Welfare Policies in China

This paper examines Chinese population aging problems in light of the demographic and welfare policy perspectives. Statistical analysis reveals that Chinese population aging problems are not yet serious, but have already emerged. China is rapidly approaching a post-industrial state in terms of its demographic composition. Empirical data show that the majority of Chinese elderly still rely on a traditional type of family support, despite the socialist claims of collective welfare. In other words, Marxism has not yet totally replaced the traditional Chinese family framework. However, it remains to be seen whether the contemporary Chinese family can withstand the threat of rapid industrialization. It appears inevitable that due to the increase of rural-urban migration, the family will become a less likely source of elderly cares. Eventually, the Chinese elderly may have to rely on themselves and the state to provide the needed retirement assistance. An adequate old-age pension system is the only policy alternative.