ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the risks associated with the recent rise in unemployment in Taiwan and examines whether these risks affected various people differently. It investigates the policies developed by the Taiwanese government to address unemployment and, more generally, the role of the state in a risk society. In the new global economy, the risk of mass unemployment in many countries has increased dramatically. The governments of these countries face losses of revenue and increased expenditure in unemployment benefits. In order to prevent the social problems attending mass unemployment, such as increases in suicides, crimes and bankruptcies, the government of Taiwan has introduced new welfare schemes. In response, the Taiwanese government has introduced new unemployment policies: it now provides cash benefits, wage subsidies, and job opportunities in the governmental departments. The most important recent policies have been the introduction of the Unemployment Insurance, the enactment of Employment Insurance Act, the creation of the Employment Promotion Allowance, and various job creation schemes.
