Unequal Distribution of Wealth in China: Do Inconsistencies in Government Policies Play a Role?

The gradual transition from a planned to a market economy in China starting in 1978 has set into motion a chain of new policies in most sectors. These changes were often inconsistent and disregarded pre-existing policies that were in place. Through an examination of education and housing policies, the inconsistent nature of new and changed policies will be discussed in their connection with rising inequality. The direct correlations found between the two combined with the negative impact of inequality calls for the goal of equality and fairness to have a higher priority in the gradual transition to a more capitalistic system