China is facing record-high levels of youth unemployment and discontent among young people about the type of work available. The government's economic advisors think a new economic plan is needed to avoid stagnation. The rising youth unemployment in China is impacting the economy and the government's efforts to address the issue. There are obstacles hindering the implementation of necessary changes, including political barriers and resistance to income redistribution.
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Quick takeaways
Many young workers in China are struggling to find well-paying jobs, leading to a phenomenon called 'lying flat' where people give up on the traditional rat race.
China needs to shift towards a more consumer-oriented and private sector-driven economy, but implementing structural reforms poses political and ideological challenges for the Communist Party.
Deep dives
Youth unemployment and tough job market in China
Many young workers in China are struggling to find meaningful and well-paying jobs. Graduates like Zershi are expected to work long hours, including overtime, with no extra pay or benefits. The lack of new jobs in the market has led many young people to pursue higher education instead. The high pressure and low wages have resulted in a phenomenon called 'lying flat', where people are giving up on the traditional rat race. Youth unemployment in China is above 20%, exacerbating the economic challenges faced by the country.
Struggles and dissatisfaction in the job market
Young professionals like Chen are finding it difficult to sustain jobs due to various challenges. Chen describes her marketing job as exhausting, with lower salaries during the pandemic. The pressure to work long hours and the lack of job satisfaction have led many to question their career choices. People are increasingly opting for alternative lifestyles, such as becoming 'full-time sons/daughters', which involves taking wages from their parents instead of struggling in the regular job market.
China's economic challenges and potential solutions
China's economic model, built on heavy investment and exports, is facing diminishing returns and increasing global tensions. The country needs to shift towards a more consumer-oriented and private sector-driven economy. However, implementing structural reforms and redistributing income and wealth poses political and ideological challenges for the Communist Party. The rising debt problem and demographic issues complicate the situation. While there are indications that the government plans to boost demand and support the economy, the path forward remains uncertain.
The country is not just facing record-high levels of youth unemployment - more than 20% of 16-24 year olds in urban areas at the latest count.
It is also facing growing discontent among many young people about the type of work they can find, often involving long hours, no overtime pay, and insecure contracts.
It is prompting some to opt out of the rat race altogether. And many experts think the current problems aren't just prompted by the global slowdown. They're structural.
Even the government's economic advisors think it may be time for a new economic plan if China is to avoid years of stagnation.
That change could slow and painful though. Will Xi Jinping and the country's other Communist Party leaders go for it?
Produced and presented by Ed Butler.
(Image: College students choose jobs at a job fair for 2023 graduates in Huai 'an City, East China's Jiangsu Province. 01/07/23. Photo credit: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Image)
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