Useful for the Nation: The Historical Trajectory of Child Welfare in China

• In Event: Institutional Heritage in Asia: Welfare, Education and Knowledge

Abstract

Currently China is in the process of transforming its child welfare system, with the initial phase ending in 2020, with the prospect of enhancing the lives of tens of millions of children. One reason for the great difficulties in creating a working child welfare institution is the large and rapidly increasing number of child population that is in need of social assistance. Other problems lie in the tension between current local practices, and the role of the state in dealing with children, and the changing approaches of children by families. This paper argues that this tension is partly embedded in the neglect of China’s historical legacy of child and poverty relief practices.

This presentation points out the problems that could arise if a welfare system is created that neglects Chinese historical experiences and discourse about poverty and out-of-family aid. It first presents the the history of child relief in the 19th and 20th century in China from the perspective of childhood history. The presentation then compares this account with discussions about 19th and 20th century European welfare experiences. Focusing on social inequality, changes in generational relations and family structures the presentation utilizes visual and anecdotal material from the 19th and 20th century in order to show how especially vulnerable children were dealt with.

Author

• Annika Pissin, Lund University