Wishing to encourage comparative studies and especially to bring together Chinese and U.K.-based investigators of social policy, the editor presents 20 essays from an October 2001 conference devoted to exploring issues of Chinese social policy and social policy reform. Introductory chapters explore issues of comparative studies and look at the overall state and key trends in social policy. The majority of the material consists of twin examinations of particular areas of social policy by Chinese and U.K. academics in turn. Topics include social inequality, labor market construction, pension reform, health policy, urban housing, women's rights, and social care and voluntary action. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).