ABSTRACT
In the past three decades the evolution of the welfare system of Taiwan has been proceeding through a process of compromise between traditional ideas of social welfare and the existing constraints derived from modernisation. The ideas of social welfare are primarily based upon traditional Chinese notions of paternalism and altruism fermented within the context of Confucianism, which became the dominating social values as early as 2,000 years ago and which have been upheld by the political powers ever since. In accord with the premises of Confucianism, the ideas of social welfare are to identify oneself with other people’s misfortunes and destitution and to give assistance to relieve their strife. These traditional ideas of society and social welfare are based upon an assumption of a static and harmonious society, in which the social structure is stratified in an orderly manner. Thus the traditional pattern of welfare support was mainly evolved around charitable and voluntary welfare services. The second force that moulds the Chinese pattern of welfare services is the close affiliation of the individuals with their family, also a Confucian influence. A close coherence of members of a society based upon a family unit or clan has safeguarded the welfare of individual members and further ensured the security and stability of society.
