Why Modern China

Social Programmes in Modern China

Most people want to improve the quality of their own lives and the lives of many others, many believe that a robust economy will satisfy this desire. However, many people overlook the fact that, besides a reliable economy, improving a population's living standards requires effective social services. When social services are available to those who need it, life as an ordinary person feels more manageable; when social services are unreliable, even life as a well-off person can feel uncertain.

In China, a rapidly growing economy does not guarantee improvements in the quality of life. Despite the country's GDP reaching high numbers, many Chinese people's quality of life lags far behind that of other countries similarly large economies. This discrepancy is due to unresolved social problems and inequality, many of which revolve around basic issues in education, the environment, and health. There is a strong tendency to depend on the government to solve social problems, and the government shows its desire to help by establishing party-backed social programmes.

Social programmes need to address people's issues correctly and carefully; in the long run, it should prevent the problem from occurring. This means bureaucratic social programmes have their limits; instead, many social issues require a dedicated group of people to work together and improve the society they live in, for the well-being of themselves and others around them. Unfortunately, these people lack resources and support. Despite providing much needed social services, they have a difficult time gathering funds, expanding nationwide, and continuing their activity without interference from the government.