Eldercare Work in Contemporary China: The Nexus of State, Family, and Market

Yan, Zhe

This book gives voice to an indispensable yet often overlooked group of care workers in China’s eldercare industry. Drawing on rich, first-hand accounts from frontline care workers and interwoven with a wealth of sociological insights, the author offers a critical yet nuanced analysis of how statutory norms, cultural values, institutional standards, and interpersonal dynamics shape the experiences, motivations, and coping strategies of professional care workers. The book compellingly illustrates the stark contrast between the high expectations and demands placed upon these workers and the low pay and status they receive in return. A key strength of the book lies in its holistic approach, which not only contextualizes the challenges faced by care workers but also explores their search for meaning within an increasingly marketized and rapidly evolving cultural landscape. By shedding light on the intersection of care work, policy, economy and socio-cultural values, the book offers a fresh analytical lens on the precariousness and resilience of care workers. It provides critical insights into how these workers navigate structural constraints, drawing on personal agency and cultural resources to find purpose and dignity in their roles. In doing so, the book makes a significant contribution to debates on labor, aging, and care in contemporary China, offering valuable implications for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners alike.

Details

Published by: Palgrave Macmillan

Publication Date: 2025-08-30

Format: Hardcover

ISBN-13: 9783031967931

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-96794-8

Dimensions: 210cm x148cm

Pages: 230