The Asian road to the market has generally been seen as a model of success and the object of widespread admiration. This volume evaluates the actual experience and debunks some of the most widespread myths. It does so by identifying the link between alternative transition models, public policies and household responses on the one hand, and key welfare changes on the other. Even in countries experiencing sustained growth, there have been unmistakable signs of deep social strain.

List of Tables List of Figures Notes on the Contributors Foreword PART I: INTRODUCTION Well-Being During the Transition in Asia; M.F.Montes & A.Lu PART II: WELFARE TRENDS IN KEY SECTORS Provision of Health Care and Education in Transitional Asia: Key Issues and Lessons from Vietnam; P.Glewwe & J.Litvack Labour Markets in Asian Transition Economies; A.Lu & P.Verme PART III: COUNTRY STUDIES CHINA AND VIETNAM Economic Reforms and Welfare Changes in China; A.Lu Poverty Alleviation During the Transition in China; Z.Ling Economic Reform and Welfare in Vietnam; K.Jansen CENTRAL AISAN REPUBLICS (CARs) Poverty and Economic Transition in Kazakhstan; M.Murthi, M.Pradhan & K.Scott Gradual Economic Reform and Well-Being in Uzbekistan; R.Pomfret & K.Anderson OTHER ASIAN TRANSITION ECONOMIES (ATEs) Mongolia: The Welfare Impact of Marketization; S.Lhagva Democratic People's Republic of Korea: Structure of the Welfare System and Expected Impact of Marketization; D.Lee PART IV: POLICY CONLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Sustaining Welfare During the Transition: Lessons from Asia; A.Lu & M.F.Montes Index