This paper will examine changes in the China’s social order and structure beginning with the reform period induced by Deng Xiaoping focusing on the DWS. Subsequently CSR in China is assessed. Followed by a comparison of benefits the DWS provided and CSR can provide, it is concluded if, or up to what extent, CSR can compensate social benefits the former DWS supplied to its beneficiaries.
There is no other country which embodies the achievements and drawbacks of globalization as evidently as the Peoples Republic of China. Within the last 30 years, China became the fastest growing national economy of the world weekly attracting more than one billion USD. Even though its "march" has just begun, the PRC nowadays already has grown to the world’s third biggest national economy bringing great prosperity to the few and vast hardships for the many.
China’s economic ascension did not only create a thin middle- and thinner upper class with unprecedented purchasing power, but also triggered far-flung political and social transformation processes. The magnitude of future social challenges, originating from a transformation of the economic order from a planned economy to a "socialist economy with Chinese characteristics", yet remains unpredictable and imponderable.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Social Security in China
- 2.1 The Exodus of the "Danwei" System
- 2.2 The Status Quo of the Social Safety System in China
- 3. Corporate Social Responsibility in China
- 4. Contrasting Social CSR- and Danwei Benefits in China
- 4.1 CSR Intensity in China
- 4.2 Social Security Contributions of CSR in China
- 5. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze the impact of the decline of the Danwei system in China and the subsequent rise of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a potential replacement for the lost social safety net. It examines the extent to which CSR can compensate for the social benefits previously provided by the Danwei system.
- The decline of the Danwei system in China and its consequences.
- The rise of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in China.
- A comparison of social benefits provided by the Danwei system and CSR initiatives.
- The potential of CSR to fill the gap left by the Danwei system.
- The challenges and limitations of CSR in addressing social security issues in China.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the dramatic economic growth of China and the simultaneous significant social transformations it has undergone. It emphasizes the shift from a planned economy to a "socialist market economy," accompanied by a retreat of the state from social responsibilities. The chapter introduces the Danwei system, its demise, and the subsequent rise of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a potential solution to address the resulting social security gap. The central question posed is whether CSR can effectively compensate for the lost social benefits provided by the Danwei system.
2. Social Security in China: This chapter provides context by contrasting the pre-reform Maoist approach to social security with the current system. It highlights the systemic integration of individuals into a comprehensive social safety net under Mao, which was replaced by the necessity of economic viability following the reforms of 1978. The chapter discusses the challenges faced by millions of workers who lost their social insurance due to privatization and the increasing income gap between the rich and poor. The exodus of workers from state-owned enterprises, leading to the vast number of migrant workers, is presented as a stark illustration of the shortcomings of the current social security system.
2.1 The Exodus of the "Danwei" System: This section delves into the crucial role of the Danwei system in pre-reform China. It describes the Danwei as a fundamental social and organizational unit providing comprehensive social benefits to its members, including housing, meals, healthcare, education for children, and retirement plans. The chapter explains how the Danwei's integrated social functions created a system of social control and ensured the effectiveness of the CCP's rule, effectively trapping citizens within a system that controlled their lives from birth to death. The close monitoring of employees’ social and ideological behavior is highlighted.
3. Corporate Social Responsibility in China: This chapter introduces the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in China and its significance in the context of the declining Danwei system. It focuses on the role of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in CSR practices and explores the ongoing debate about the private sector's responsibility in contributing to social safety, especially within the context of China's officially socialist government.
4. Contrasting Social CSR- and Danwei Benefits in China: This chapter directly compares the social benefits provided by the Danwei system with those offered through CSR initiatives in China. It assesses the intensity of CSR practices in China and analyzes their contribution to social security. The chapter seeks to determine whether CSR can compensate for the social benefits previously provided by the Danwei system.
Keywords
Danwei system, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), social security, China, economic reform, globalization, socialist market economy, income inequality, migrant workers, multinational enterprises (MNEs), social safety net.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Danwei System Decline and the Rise of Corporate Social Responsibility in China
What is the main focus of this research paper?
This paper analyzes the impact of the decline of the Danwei system in China and the subsequent rise of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a potential replacement for the lost social safety net. It examines the extent to which CSR can compensate for the social benefits previously provided by the Danwei system.
What is the Danwei system?
The Danwei system was a fundamental social and organizational unit in pre-reform China, providing comprehensive social benefits to its members, including housing, meals, healthcare, education for children, and retirement plans. It also functioned as a system of social control, closely monitoring employees' social and ideological behavior.
What were the consequences of the decline of the Danwei system?
The decline of the Danwei system led to the loss of a comprehensive social safety net for millions of workers, contributing to increased income inequality and the creation of a large migrant worker population. Many individuals lost access to crucial social insurance and benefits.
What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its role in this context?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the private sector's responsibility in contributing to social well-being. In the context of this paper, it examines whether CSR initiatives by multinational enterprises (MNEs) can fill the gap left by the Danwei system in providing social security.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the decline of the Danwei system and its consequences; the rise of CSR in China; a comparison of social benefits provided by the Danwei system and CSR initiatives; the potential of CSR to fill the gap left by the Danwei system; and the challenges and limitations of CSR in addressing social security issues in China.
How does the paper compare the Danwei system and CSR?
The paper directly compares the social benefits provided by the Danwei system with those offered through CSR initiatives. It assesses the intensity of CSR practices in China and analyzes their contribution to social security to determine whether CSR can effectively compensate for the lost benefits of the Danwei system.
What is the overall conclusion of the research?
(The provided text does not explicitly state a final conclusion. The paper aims to investigate whether CSR can replace the Danwei system's social safety net, but the ultimate answer is left to the analysis within the full paper.)
What are the key keywords associated with this research?
Key keywords include: Danwei system, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), social security, China, economic reform, globalization, socialist market economy, income inequality, migrant workers, multinational enterprises (MNEs), social safety net.
What is the structure of the research paper?
The paper is structured with an introduction, chapters on social security in China (including a detailed section on the Danwei system's exodus), CSR in China, a comparative chapter contrasting Danwei benefits and CSR, and a conclusion. Chapter summaries are provided in the preview.
Where can I find more information?
(This question cannot be answered from the provided text. The complete research paper would provide further detail.)
- Quote paper
- Philipp Stiebeling (Author), 2010, The Danwei System in China. Can Corporate Social Responsibility Make Up For Its Exodus?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/153422
