Pragmatic instrumentalization of policy learning : Market transition, changing welfare systems and state-third sector organization relationships in China

This study sets out against the broad social and political economic context of China's market transition, from a state- to a market-oriented economy, to examine critically how the contracting out of social services was introduced and how far such a social governance reform measure has affected state-NGO relationships in the country. Based on fieldwork and interviews with social welfare experts, NGO managers, officials and social workers, this study contributes to an improved understanding of social governance reforms in China through government procurement of social services. Reflecting on transnational policy learning, this study provides new perspectives for understanding changing state-NGO relationships against the broad context of market transition in China.