SOSC 103D Social Inequality in HK Lecture 13: Poverty Policies in HK

L12: Traditional system of social support Charitable organizations Churches Strong family ties “The history of welfare in HK this century has been a history of charitable organizations in which the powerful family networks of obligation and reciprocity continue to be of major importance” (Chow, 1983)

L12: History of welfare Social Welfare Office (1948) –Offer public assistance Means-tested Public Assistance Scheme (1971) –Cash assistance for elderly people with inadequate, or no support from their families (Hong Kong, 1977) Special Needs Allowances (1973) A Higher Disability Allowance (1988)

L12: The level of public assistance payments Key question for policy-makers: How much public assistance is enough? “To meet the minimum acceptable standard of living for the poor” The problem of setting too high The problem of setting too low

L12: The Subsistence Approach –A minimalist approach –Meeting no more than the costs of physical survival The Basic Needs Approach –Meeting also the access to essential services: transport, health, education… –Recognize the social needs of a poor person The Style of Living Approach (P. Townsend) –Living in a commonly regarded decent and acceptable living style

L12: The Style of Living Approach 9 items included in a deprivation index (Chow, 1983): 1.Do all members have a permanent bed for their own use? 2.Does the household have a television set? 3.Does the household have a refrigerator? 4.Do members usually consult private practitioners when ill? 5.Does the family go out to celebrate on occasions? 6.Does the family eat fresh poultry apart from festivals? 7.Does the family present gifts to relatives or friends on days of events? 8.Do household heads give away lucky money during the Chinese New Year? 9.Do household heads take friends now and then to restaurant ?

L12: The need for public assistance In principle, all those in financial need are eligible –Including those in employment at low –Old and unemployed people In practice/ realities…

L12: Cases of CSSA (2004)

L12: Helping the Poor and Needy –Ensuring basic social protection and support Promoting Self-reliance –Provide individuals with opportunities to develop and enhance themselves and free themselves from poverty through employment, education and training.