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Since 1978 China underwent another enormous transformation of its political and economic system. This resulted not only in a destruction of old institutions but created new ones in their place. The welfare system of China is no exception to this, and this book looks into its dramatic changes in the last 40 years. This book explores important issues such as the inequality of welfare provision and the rural/urban split in society. Furthermore, it compares this development with China´s neighboring countries in East Asia and explores the developments in the theoretical context of developmental (welfare) states and post-communist transformation.

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Friedrich Hirler studied Social Sciences, Geography as well as International Studies and Peace and Conflict Research. Now he is traveling around the world by hitchhiking to experience first hand what he studied for years.

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