ABSTRACT
In the field of social policy, the idea of contracting out fundamentally includes the utilization of open budgetary assets to contract with social associations for the generation and conveyance of social services. Several contentions in support and against the idea have been advanced. In the previous chapter, we have already discussed how similar policy agenda has been translated into diverse practices when contracting out social services is implemented in China. Setting out against the debates related to whether contracting out social services would enhance public sector management and social service delivery; this chapter critically examines the effectiveness of the introduction and implementation of government procurement of social services in China. Related to the case materials presented in the previous chapter, together with the analysis of empirical data from the fieldwork conducted in seven cities across Mainland China, this chapter explores and discusses the major challenges faced by the local governments when implementing contracting out social services. This chapter also discusses policy implications after analyzing the fieldwork materials regarding social governance reforms.
