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Housing Security Policies and Their Social Impacts in Metropolitan China: A Case Study of Shanghai

Bai, Xuechun (2025) COSM40 20251
Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, Lund University
Abstract
This thesis examines the development and social consequences of housing security policies in metropolitan China, with a focus on Shanghai. Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization and deepening socio-economic divides, housing affordability has emerged as a pressing challenge in Chinese cities. In response, the government has introduced a range of housing security measures aimed at supporting low- and middle income groups. This study explores the implementation and impact of these policies, with particular attention to public rental housing and affordable housing programs in Shanghai. Based on a combination of policy analysis, statistical data, and fieldwork—including semi-structured interviews with residents—this research investigates... (More)
This thesis examines the development and social consequences of housing security policies in metropolitan China, with a focus on Shanghai. Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization and deepening socio-economic divides, housing affordability has emerged as a pressing challenge in Chinese cities. In response, the government has introduced a range of housing security measures aimed at supporting low- and middle income groups. This study explores the implementation and impact of these policies, with particular attention to public rental housing and affordable housing programs in Shanghai. Based on a combination of policy analysis, statistical data, and fieldwork—including semi-structured interviews with residents—this research investigates how housing policy shapes experiences of urban inclusion, social mobility, and perceived fairness in access to housing. The findings point to both progress and persistent issues, such as uneven access, and others. By situating the case of Shanghai within the wider context of national housing reforms and debates on urban governance, the study contributes to understanding the changing role of the state in managing urban inequality. It concludes with recommendations for making housing security policy more equitable and responsive to the complex needs of urban populations in contemporary China. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Bai, Xuechun
supervisor
organization
course
COSM40 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Housing policy, China, Housing affordability, Housing markets, China housing reform
language
English
id
9207359
date added to LUP
2025-06-30 15:25:26
date last changed
2025-06-30 15:25:26
@misc{9207359,
  abstract     = {{This thesis examines the development and social consequences of housing security policies in metropolitan China, with a focus on Shanghai. Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization and deepening socio-economic divides, housing affordability has emerged as a pressing challenge in Chinese cities. In response, the government has introduced a range of housing security measures aimed at supporting low- and middle income groups. This study explores the implementation and impact of these policies, with particular attention to public rental housing and affordable housing programs in Shanghai. Based on a combination of policy analysis, statistical data, and fieldwork—including semi-structured interviews with residents—this research investigates how housing policy shapes experiences of urban inclusion, social mobility, and perceived fairness in access to housing. The findings point to both progress and persistent issues, such as uneven access, and others. By situating the case of Shanghai within the wider context of national housing reforms and debates on urban governance, the study contributes to understanding the changing role of the state in managing urban inequality. It concludes with recommendations for making housing security policy more equitable and responsive to the complex needs of urban populations in contemporary China.}},
  author       = {{Bai, Xuechun}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Housing Security Policies and Their Social Impacts in Metropolitan China: A Case Study of Shanghai}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}