Subjective experiences of older adults in poverty in urban China and the role of social policy. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Yan-Yan; Walker, Robert; Hong, Liu
• Is Part Of: Asia Pacific journal of social work and development. Volume 28:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 14
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Older adult poverty -- stress -- multi-dimensionality of poverty -- policy shaping -- urban China; Social service -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Social service -- Asia -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 361.3
• DOI: 10.1080/02185385.2017.1358660
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0218-5385

Abstract

Abstract: This study establishes an evidence base regarding the experiences of older adults living in poverty in Beijing. Given the factors that shape the lives of low-income older adults, the findings are relevant for many middle- and low-income countries. Based on a series of in-depth interviews conducted with government officials and low-income older adults in Beijing, the study finds that poverty manifests as cumulative stress arising from four sources: financial strain, poor health, care burden and poverty-related shame. This stress is attributable to the co-existence of individual and structural factors that reflect the framing of anti-poverty policies in China.