Practices, Policies and Prospects of Social Management in China: a Study based on “Shidu” Elderly People

Abstract

Against the backdrop of reforms in social management, there are more and more families that have lost their only child or whose only child got disabled due to external factors, bringing the group—“Shidu” [1]elderly to the focus of the society. When the late years of shidu parents arrive, a series of problems would follow. An investigation shows that shidu parents have diverse needs ranging from financial assistance, physical care, to mental consolation about psychological trauma. To satisfy their holistic needs, social work agencies have developed a “1+3” service mode. Based on an investigation of demands of shidu elderly and the available social management services, this study recommends to the relevant social management units and other social service organizations to establish a comprehensive social management service system for the effective service delivery to these “shidu” elderly known people. The study suggests a comprehensive study from the governmental interventions perspective in this field.

[1] Shidu elderly people refers to aged parents 60 or above, who have lost their only child.