Stuck between the Idea of Philanthropy and Social Right: Dilemma of Social Assistance in China

This article exams the social right to receive assistance from the government established through the introduction of China’s new social assistance programs. A qualitative study that included 42 social assistance recipients and 12 policy implementers in urban areas suggests that the social right to receive social assistance has not been fully established. This is partly due to the practice of philanthropy which continues to have a significant influence on social assistance. At present, the underlying idea of social assistance is stuck between the idea of philanthropy and social right to receive assistance. The competing views have resulted in the dilemma of current social assistance development. Findings from this study have implications for policy and practice change to move toward social right to receive assistance and transition out of the dilemma of social assistance versus philanthropy. Future research should be broadened to study the social assistance recipients and policy implementers in rural areas and examine their experiences.