1. Regional Perspective: Social Protection in East Asia Sarah Cook (IDS) and Huck-ju Kwon (Sung Kyun Kwan University)

2. Context – regional diversity  Levels of economic development  Structural and demographic transitions  Political variation – developmental states; democratic governments; transitions  Welfare geography of East Asia  Social and human development -  Human Development Indices

3. Questions  The relationship between economic development and social protection  Different responses to economic crisis and restructuring  What social policy choices do low income Asian economies have in order to achieve economic development and adequate social protection, given policy constraints?

4. Pre-crisis welfare arrangements  Welfare developmentalism State provision for groups strategic in economic development (social insurance / provident funds) ‘Confucian family’ as basis of welfare provision Minimal social assistance Reinforces social inequalities; limited protection in event of crisis

5. Response to crisis  Strengthening social policy and protection as a strategy for economic restructuring (Korea, Taiwan)  Retrenchment: reduction in social spending to cope with crisis (Hong Kong, Singapore)  Safety nets as emergency response (Indonesia, Thailand)  Intermediating factors: Political (degree of democratisation); social mobilisation (civil society).

6. Managing marketisation  Reform / Renovation in China and Vietnam: developmental state strategy?  ‘Societalisation’ of welfare provision – reducing the role of the state; reducing generous provision to elite workers  Rural decollectivisation Marketisation of health and education Increasing inequalities: rural-urban; regional…  Expanding social protection: avoiding social unrest, protecting economic growth, maintaining political legitimacy

7. Options for low income countries  Minimal existing social protection: limited information (Laos, Cambodia)  Expanding safety nets to provide social protection: cash transfers…  Building sustainable institutional framework for social protection: Social insurance, provident funds.. ‘Initial conditions’ – distribution of wealth? Changing global context: statist vs liberal strategies?

8. Research and policy agenda  The ‘new developmental state’: negotiating political interests for economic development inclusive welfare developmentalism – social rights and citizenship  Financing mechanisms - equity and sustainability  Social protection for informal and migrant workers  Social protection in low income Asian economies – knowledge gaps?  Gender issues in ageing societies  Role of regional organisations and aid flows