CURRENT CHALLENGES AND COUNTERMEASURES OF GOVERNMENT PURCHASE OF SOCIAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES IN CHINA

Abstract

“Government’s purchase of social assistance services” plays an important role in accelerating the transformation of government functions and enhancing both the efficiency and effectiveness in the sector of social services. This research first explores the basic concept of social assistance services, including the different categories concerned and the perspectives of viewing social assistance services in China. Then, we introduce the related theories of government’s purchase of social services in the areas of public administration, social welfare and economic perspectives. Then we explore the current situation of government contracting social assistance services in China, by reviewing different policy documents and legislation process. Our present research mainly reveals the existing problems and proposes the potential challenges face with government’s purchase of social assistance services. This is also the main findings and results within our research. In the discussion part, we explore the main implications of “Western Practices on Contracting out Social Assistance Services”, and its impact on the Chinese culture. Then recommend on the future directions and ways for improvement that sustain the development of government’s purchase of social assistance services in China.