China's Social Welfare: A Boost for Political Support in Tough Times

When it comes to keeping citizens happy, many countries focus on economic growth. But what about social welfare? In China, from 2010 to 2018, researchers looked into this. They combined surveys from five waves of the China Family Panel Studies with city-level data. They found something interesting. Even when the economy isn't doing great, spending on social security can really boost political support. This was especially true for rural residents and those working outside the state sector.

It's like a safety net that makes people feel more secure and appreciated. While economic growth can also help, it mostly benefits those who are already doing well. Social welfare, on the other hand, can make a difference for everyone, even during tough times. This shows that social welfare isn't just about helping those in need, but also about keeping the whole system stable.

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