Cross-Cultural Evolution of China’s Rural Social Security System: A Global Comparison

China’s rural social security system has undergone a series of changes. This paper examines the construction of rural social security systems in the context of globalization, especially a comparative analysis of the Chinese model and global paradigms. The paper analyzes three development stages of the rural social security system and policies in China: the initial stage from 1949 to 1978, the early stage of reform and opening-up from 1978 to 2000, and the development in the new century from 2000 to the present. The article emphasizes the government-led characteristics of the Chinese model and its focus on basic medical care and elderly care, and points out deficiencies in unemployment security and disability welfare. This article provides a comprehensive perspective for understanding the evolution of China’s rural social security system and offers references for future reforms and improvements.