The relationship between the multilevel state and NGOs in China: the case of social work organizations

ABSTRACT

In this article the emergence of a new supportive relationship between the state and NGOs in China is exemplified by a case study of social work organisations (SWOs) in Guangdong Province. The research utilised mixed methods including policy and documentary analysis, secondary data analysis and primary data collection (in-depth interviews and questionnaire survey). We report a rapid increase in state support for NGOs and a new approach to purchasing social services, and explore the developing ties between them in which the former is cultivating the latter. The article describes and analyses this new relationship between SWOs and the multi-level state in China. At the formative stage the state is collaborator, supporter and dominant actor. Once established, however, these new NGOs may develop their own agendas and we conclude by highlighting the challenges facing them and the state if they are to move towards partnership.

KEYWORDS:

• Social work organizations
• contracting
• organizational relationships
• multi-level state

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1. The Development of Social Work in Guangdong Province in 2014, http://sw.mca.gov.cn/article/mtgz/201502/20150200774820.shtml.

2. Anonymous reporter, 21 May 2010, The Number and Development Prospects of Social Work Organization in ShenZhen city. http://shehuigongzuo.web-12.com/.

3. Anonymous reporter, 08/01/2012, 260 Million Yuan will be arranged to buy social work service in 2012 in GuangZhou city. http://sw.mca.gov.cn/article/dfdt/201202/20120200274513.shtml.

4. There are 10 sub-districts and 2 sub-city governments in Guangzhou; the city council and sub-district or sub-city government share the fund in half-half, four-six or six-four distribution.

5. For example, they both have the task of making home visits and can cooperate on them. In one case, they worked together to arrange a group of visitors to the poor. The social workers thought that the poorest should be prioritised, but the Neighborhood Committee thought the poorest were not suitable for visiting and that the ‘middle poor’ and ‘tidy family’ should be prioritised.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ying Fang

Ying Fang is Associate Professor, Guangzhou University, and specialises in the study of women and NGOs in China. She holds a PhD in Sociology from Sun Yat-sen University.

Alan Walker

Alan Walker is Professor of Social Policy and Social Gerontology, University of Sheffield. He has been researching and writing in these areas for more than 40 years. He holds a DLitt in Sociology from the University of Essex.