Training social development Cadres in China

Abstract

Since 1978, the economic performance of the People's Republic of China (hereinafter, China) has been phenomenal. In 1998, China's gross domestic product (GDP), measured at purchasing power parity (PPP), was the second biggest in the world after the US. In terms of GDP per capita, China has reached US$961, and is ranked as a middle-income economy. According to the human development index (HDI) developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), China was ranked ninety-ninth in the world in 1998, up from 108th in 1994. Indeed, the success of economic reform has brought with it substantial improvements in the quality of life for the majority of the Chinese people. With the rapid liberalization of the economic structure, however, social concerns such as poverty, income disparities, family breakdown, unemployment, rural migration, drug addiction, juvenile delinquency, and the care of the frail, elderly, and disabled have become critical. There is no lack of international studies focusing on social development strategies and social policy issues in China, but so far, few publications have been devoted to analysing the training of social development and social welfare cadres. In fact, the quality and competency of human resources in social projects are pivotal to effective human development. This article provides the background to the training of social welfare cadres and issues facing their professionalization. To be sure, social welfare in developing countries is closely linked to social development, and the major function of social workers is involved with promoting social development.