"SQUARING THE CIRCLE? Recent trends in consumption, poverty and inequality in China”

Under the impact of China’s post-1978 reforms, levels and patterns of material consumption have been transformed. It is no exaggeration to describe what has happened as a ‘consumer revolution’ – a process that has been accompanied by the emergence of an identifiable Chinese middle class. In terms of their economic and social implications – and, potentially, of their political impact too - the significance of such changes can hardly be overstated. The changes should not, however, lead us merely to assume that the welfare consequences of China’s economic reforms have been unambiguously positive. Indeed, it is clear that growing affluence has not been an all-inclusive process; nor have qualitative improvements in living standards always matched quantitative increases in consumption. Meanwhile, alongside growing affluence, the legacy of poverty persists, while economic and social polarisation also continues to intensify.

Bob Ash teaches at SOAS in the Departments of Economics, and of Financial and Management Studies. He is also Director of the SOAS Taiwan Studies Programme. He has held visiting academic positions at universities in Australia, Hong Kong, France and Italy. He has written widely on development issues in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Current China-related research interests include sustainable development, regional economic development, food security, population and employment, and consumption and social welfare issues.