The phenomenon of Chinese charity within the paternalistic model of social policy

This article highlights the main aspects of the development of private and corporate charity in the People's Republic of China and analyzes the process of integrating charity into the paternalistic model of social policy, traditional for China. The main data on the economic development of China, especially the private sector of the economy, which is the main donor of charitable projects and programs, are presented. The increased attention of the state to private charity is stated as an opportunity to make additional financial injections into solving social problems. A brief description of legal innovations concerning the development of Chinese philanthropy is provided. The specific features of national charity reflecting the socio-cultural and economic characteristics of the country are considered. The increased role of corporate and private charity in the fight against poverty, the elimination of the consequences of natural disasters, and the support of education is stated. At the same time, attention is drawn to the desire of the state to coordinate and control the processes of creating charitable organizations, to direct their activities, which in the conditions of paternalistic traditions looks natural. The political aspects of the growth of charity are considered, in particular, related to the concept of ‘universal prosperity’. The desire of the country's leadership to reduce the growing socio-economic stratification is clearly seen, using not only state programs, but also the potential of charitable organizations and individuals. The data of sociological surveys of the most affluent citizens of the People’s Republic of China are given, indicating their high motivation to help and support fellow citizens in need. The development of charity in China, especially corporate, is interpreted as a process of its peculiar ‘embedding’ not only in the economy, but also in politics.