List of tables -- List of figures -- Introduction: the changing Chinese society / Li Peilin -- Social construction : theory and practices -- The people's livelihood in China / Li Peilin and Li Wei -- China in the mass consumption stage / Tian Feng -- Urban and rural residents' social security / Zhang Liping -- Evolution process and the trend of income differential / Chen Guangjin -- Children of the reform and opening up / Tian Feng -- Conclusion -- References -- Index.