Social policies: are "European models" viable models for China

Abstract

s regards social policies, the EU is an obvious model for inspiration for China, but the European social models themselves have come under pressure and proved unsustainable lately, therefore China is best advised to look at the more sustainable versions of the European social models, such as the reformed German or some features of the Scandinavian ones. Moreover, Chinese studies on the European social systems have often been ideologically motivated, therefore often produced biased results. The article summarizes the existing research evidence, also highlights the differences between the European and Chinese social systems and explains those areas where European solutions could best be used as models for Chinese reforms. The key issues with the Chinese social security system are underfinancing, insufficient coverage, geographical fragmentation and inefficient institutions. This mix of challenges constitute a significant risk to the sustainability of social order in the long run.