This book investigates dynamics of Chinese rural households’ poverty and well-being over the period 1989-2011. Despite continuous income and consumption increases, households become more vulnerable due to rising inequality and uncertainties attached to their income and consumption flows. More equal distribution of income/consumption, education, infrastructure and off-farm employment opportunities appear to help reducing households’ welfare loss. China is facing huge challenges in raising wellbeing beyond monetary terms if the government aims to fulfill its goals of eleminating extreme poverty and building up a "well-off society" by 2020.

本书调查了中国农村家庭在1989-2011年期间的贫困和福祉的动态变动。尽管收入和消费持续增加, 但由于不平等加剧以及收入和消费流动的不确定因素, 家庭变得更加脆弱。更平等地分配收入，消费、教育、基础设施和非农业就业机会似乎有助于减少家庭的福利损失。如果中国政府的目标是在2020年前实现摆脱极端贫困和建设 "小康社会" 的目标, 那么中国在提高福祉方面面临着巨大的挑战。

作者：尤婧