Multi-track pensions and inequality among older adults in China

Peng Zhan, Hanrui Jia and Leyi Tian

Chapter 16 in Handbook on Inequality in China, 2025, pp 378-405 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: In the context of China's rapidly aging population, inequality among older adults is increasingly important. There are two fundamental approaches to addressing older adult inequality: the pension system, which reduces inequalities accumulated during working-age years, and enhancing intergenerational mobility to prevent transmission to younger generations. However, China's pension system exhibits a “multiple track” characteristic with significant imbalances. Family support is critical in alleviating inequality among older adults, particularly those in rural areas. However, their effectiveness diminishes owing to smaller family sizes and increased migration. Personal labor income is another important means. However, mandatory retirement policies force older workers out of formal employment; rural areas lacks a well-developed non-agricultural labor market. Considering urban-rural disparities, rural older adults could theoretically move to urban areas. However, they often struggle to find suitable jobs in urban areas and cannot access urban older adult care services because of household registration (hukou) restrictions.

Keywords: Older adult inequality; Multi-track pension system; Intra-family redistribution; Intergenerational transfers; Labor participation of older adults; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035317790
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