By Cheng Yu, Zhou Qunli & Ruan Rongping, Research Team on “Survey on People’s Livelihood”, DRC

Research Report, No.128, 2020 (Total 5872) 2020-5-28

Abstract: In line with the household survey on people’s livelihood concerns conducted by DRC research team in 2019, the results show that the respondents’ major concern still lies in income and medical services. Rural and low-income respondents are more anxious about income, and besides, they are also troubled by increased spending on food. Medical care is the major factor of the concern for low income earners and families suffering from chronic diseases. Children’s education is the top concern for family with children, and their anxiety and pressure over their children’s education are on the rise. In light of external environment, many people are still beset by transportation problems and respondents in some places show a negative attitude towards social security and community services. To tackle the problems mentioned above, this paper gives the following policy options: 1. Targeted measures are needed to address the new appeals in people’s livelihood; 2. Efforts need to be made to ease low-income residents’ pressure on food spending and lighten the medical care burden on patients suffering from chronic diseases; 3. A demand-oriented approach is needed in enhancing the quality of compulsory education, improving transportation facilities in rural areas and counties and promoting social security and community services.

Keywords: livelihood concern, household survey, living conditions, external environment