Rapid industrialization in the People's Republic of China (PRC) since the late 1970s offers a unique opportunity to explore the relation between the political economy and the social support systems for the growing proportion of the elderly. Four categories of aged are identified and assistance to the aged is provided through three support systems. Analysis reveals that the future of the elderly in the PRC will be greatly influenced by: 1) the political agenda, 2) the degree to which traditional values toward the aged are preserved, 3) the degree to which the eldercare support system continues to be built on the existing social structure, 4) the degree to which the eldercare program becomes institutionalized in the state budget, and 5) the degree to which the elderly continue to be integrated into society.
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