There has been increasing interest in the study of comparative social welfare. This book analyzs social welfare in several socialist countries such as China, Cuba, Hungary, Poland and the Soviet Union. It considers for the individual countries, the underlying ideological/value framework, describes the historical evolution of the system and examines the political, social and economic context. Each chapter looks at the structure and administration of the system and how it is financed. This is followed by a consideration of the nature of the different parts of the welfare system, a survey of social security, personal social services and the treatment of key groups such as the aged and children. This is part of the series "Comparative Social Welfare" which allows students to examine the social welfare systems of over 55 different countries. These volumes should make it possible for countries to learn from each other concerning the most efficient and efficacious methods of social welfare provision. This book should be of interest to professionals in training and practice in social policy, social welfare, sociology, social anthropology and education.