Journal of East China Normal University (Philosoph ›› 2013, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (5): 85-97.

• 中国近代史研究 • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Continuation and Transformation: China Welfare Institute in the Early Days of New China

XU Feng-hua   

  • Online:2013-09-15 Published:2013-11-06
  • Contact: XU Feng-hua
  • About author:XU Feng-hua

Abstract: In August 1950, with Zhou Englai’s support, Soong Ching Ling reorganized China Welfare Foundation and transformed it into China Welfare Institute, whose funds source was also changed from collected donations to financial grants from the government. Correspondingly, its function has been continued and meanwhile transformed: looking after women and children and the external promotion became its key points. With such an established role orientation, it was transformed from a non-government institution to an organization of people in the early days of new China. Its continuation is due to its social function and its contribution to the career of the Communist Party of China, and more importantly, due to Soong Ching Ling’s special status and her political influence. This practice of fitting a non-governmental organization into the national governmental political system weakens the original vigor of the non-governmental organization, reduces its effective social cushion space and increases the stress and financial burden of the governmental departments.