Decomposing welfare - Discourse on welfare states with lessons for China

Through comparisons of the composition of welfare provision in different co untries and regions, this article shows how welfare systems are determined by different natural and cultural conditions, and argues that no 'best' wel fare model exists for all nations. A discussion of different models illustr ates the distinction between social welfare and occupational benefits, a di stinction which has often been confused in China. The article points out th at residual social welfare proves more flexible in adjusting to the challen ges of globalisation while occupational benefits may represent a new form o f protection, of benefit to the few, in the context of cross-border competi tion. Trends in welfare reform are likely to lead to a gradual reduction;of nation-specific institutional welfare systems and a rapid increase in resi dual welfare, with occupational benefits also playing a greater role.