What benefits were typically provided to workers under the "iron rice bowl" system?

The "iron rice bowl" system in China refers to a guarantee of lifetime employment and a range of social benefits provided to workers, particularly during the period of state-controlled economy before the economic reforms initiated in the late 20th century. Workers under this system typically received not only a steady salary but also a comprehensive package of social services.

These benefits included health care coverage, which ensured that medical expenses were managed without significant out-of-pocket costs; housing assistance or outright provision of housing, which allowed workers to have stable living conditions; and child care support, making it easier for working parents to balance family responsibilities with their employment. This holistic approach contributed to job security and a lower risk of poverty for workers and their families.

The other options focus on more limited or specific types of support that did not encompass the broader array of benefits typically associated with the "iron rice bowl" system. For example, workplace snacks and transportation or job training and relocation assistance were not standard benefits provided under this model, as the emphasis was on comprehensive social security rather than ancillary perks. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the extensive range of social and economic support that characterized the "iron rice bowl."