The care regime in China: elder and child care

Abstract

As a result of rapid socio-economic change, a steep decline in the fertility rate and an ageing population, the care regime in China faces challenges. Using existing data (primarily the National Surveys on Social Support to Older People in Rural and Urban China, conducted by the China Research Centre on Ageing in 2000 and 2006), we examine the change in China's care regime, focusing on the infrastructure (services and financing) and the distribution of provision among four sectors: family, state, community and the market. We show that the care regime in China remains traditional, relying heavily on the family. Although facing challenges, the state is hesitant to assume more responsibility for funding and provision.