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The National Institute of Social Development has released an annual report on China's social development, analyzing the country's social development through observing its people's subjective feelings and social attitudes.

The target population of this research was Chinese urban residents. The National Institute of Social Development randomly picked 60 cities and 540 neighborhood committees from 31 provinces and municipalities directly based under the central government and autonomous regions.

 

The gathered data regarding different specific topics was then recorded into a total of seven research reports:

1. Report on China's social prosperity (2012)

2. Report on China's city public service status (2012)

3. Report on China's social management performance (2012)

4. Report on Chinese government's social responsibility (2012)

5. Report on Chinese public participation (2012)

6. Report on China's social inclusion and social protection (2012)

7. Report on Chinese urban residents' life quality (2012)

1. Main findings regarding the report on China's social prosperity (2012)

• In its current climate, China's social prosperity index is 63, and the social confidence index ranks 75. People's expectations on future development remain optimistic. Although people are not satisfied with many aspects of their social status, they have hope for future reform and development.

2. Main findings regarding the report on China's city public service status (2012)

• People are generally satisfied in Chinese cities' public services.

• Public services vary widely between regions. Residents in eastern provinces are generally more satisfied than those in western areas.

• Public service organizational inequalities are obvious. Local residents are more satisfied than non-local residents in terms of public services, social insurance, medical treatment, public health and basic education.

3. Main findings regarding the report on China's social management performance (2012)

• China's social management has performed relatively well in responding to emergency situations, but fails in promoting social equality.

• A majority of citizens approve of current social policies, and the supply of social services by the government.

• Respondents had a generally low view of social harmony, especially in the relation between economic classes, government officials and the public, and between employers and their employees.

• A majority believes the government is willing to listen to the opinion of the people when making new government policy, as based on previous levels of participation between the government and the people.

4. Main findings regarding the report on the Chinese government's social responsibility (2012)

• Respondents are highly satisfied with the government's handling of the economy, and mildly satisfied with governmental responsibility.

• Respondents are generally confident of the government's approach to the economy, society, the environment and governance over the next three years.

5. Main findings regarding the report on Chinese public participation (2012)

• Nearly half of all respondents do not participate through any institutionalized channel.

• New paths of participation have become important features to the Chinese people.

• Those in lower socio-economic standings are faced with a "double-shortage."

• Younger generations want to participate in more levels of society.

• Public participation depends on innovation at institutional and citizen levels.

6. Main findings regarding the report on China's social inclusion and social protection (2012)

• China's general social inclusion index is 65.6, which is basically stable.

• Measuring the five aspects of social inclusiveness, the social protection index ranks highest at 89.1; the community participation index and government inclusion index rank 65.4 and 64.8, respectively; and the areas of equal opportunities and freedom of trade have not yet reached levels that satisfy public opinion.

7. Main findings regarding the report on Chinese urban residents' life quality (2012)

• Generally speaking, a majority of Chinese citizens are satisfied with their current quality of life, but are happier with local communities than with society at large.

• Social hierarchy is extremely rigid.

• Middle-income household satisfaction is at its highest, while families with low incomes rank low in life satisfaction.

• Households dependent on agriculture industries rank low in life satisfaction, and reforms in China's household registry system is necessary.

• Life satisfaction levels for migrants are lower than local residents.

• "Income status" and housing issues are pressing problems for certain social groups.

• Chinese citizens are mostly content with their relationships, but feel that China lacks a social support network.

• Over 40% of respondents do not find value in their jobs.

• Chinese citizens are not satisfied with equality in society.

• Ethnic minorities are generally satisfied with their current life status, but are not satisfied with their access to medical care.

• Broadly speaking, Chinese citizens are optimistic of what will happen over the next three years.

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