Misaligned social policies: how does policy design influence the welfare dependency among employable recipients in China

2025-09-01

PRE

Ke Fang

Zhuoyu Jiang

Can Xu *

DOI：10.1080/17516234.2025.2564648

Original

Original request for help

Save

Abstract

En 中文

Using Tangqiao in China as a case study, this paper proposes a new framework for understanding the diminished work incentives among employable recipients of the Minimum Living Guarantee Program (Dibao). From the perspective of policy design, this paper identifies the misalignment of social policy functions as a key factor contributing to reduced work incentives among welfare recipients. Specifically, while the social insurance system remains underdeveloped and individuals find it difficult to obtain sufficient protection through it, social assistance has expanded beyond basic income support to include medical, educational, housing, and employment supports. The benefits available to welfare recipients far exceed those accessible under the resident insurance scheme. In this context, low-income individuals find it easier to qualify for social assistance by reducing their labour supply than by improving their conditions through educational and professional advancement. Building on the incentives created by this misalignment of social policies, the dispersed spatial distribution of recipients has further promoted isomorphic mimicry within the Dibao programme. Future social policy reforms should adopt a holistic approach, clearly delineating the roles and functions of social insurance and social assistance while considering the principle of balancing rights and obligations within the framework.

Keywords:

Welfare dependency

policy design

Dibao

social assistance

employable welfare recipients

Misaligned social policies: how does policy design influence the welfare dependency among employable recipients in China

Abstract

Journal

Organization