The future of China’s second-largest economy is being shaped by the struggles and aspirations of its younger generation. With fewer job opportunities and a collapse of the traditional Chinese dream, Gen Z is redefining their goals and priorities. This article explores the impact of these changes on the country’s economy and political landscape.
In recent years, China has seen an oversupply of graduates compared to the number of available jobs. This has resulted in high levels of youth unemployment, with over one in five young people between the ages of 16 and 24 unable to find work. The government’s strict lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the problem, causing economic slowdown and uncertainty for businesses and investors.
Many young people in China were raised with the belief that hard work and education would guarantee them a successful and prosperous future. However, the reality they now face is quite different. Opportunities have diminished in a struggling economy, and the promise of a well-paid job after graduation is no longer guaranteed. This disillusionment has sparked a revolution in the mindset of Generation Z.
Anthropologist Xiang Biao describes this shift as a “re-scripting of the Chinese dream”. The pandemic has played a significant role in reshaping the aspirations of young people, making them realize the vulnerability of their lives and prompting them to question the traditional paradigm of Chinese society. This generation, characterized by viral memes and alternative choices, is increasingly opting out of the competitive rat race and seeking alternative paths.
Some young people have chosen to return to their hometowns and live with their parents, becoming “full-time children” who earn small sums of money doing household chores or caring for younger relatives. Others have embraced unconventional career paths or even opted to “lie flat” and reject the pressures of the workforce altogether. This wave of non-conformity has raised concerns for Beijing, as it fears rising social discontent and potential threats to the Communist Party’s rule.
Although the transfer of intergenerational wealth has so far mitigated widespread social unrest, the value of family-based support systems is decreasing. President Xi Jinping has urged young people to endure hardship and take up manual jobs, signaling a temporary solution to the current crisis. However, many young graduates remain dissatisfied with the available options and continue to navigate their own paths.
Despite the challenges they face, this “very powerful generation” has the potential to redefine the Chinese narrative. Their disillusionment with the traditional Chinese dream of prosperity and growth opens the opportunity for a new narrative focused on individual freedom and personal fulfillment. Young people like Zheng Guling, a sales and marketing graduate, dream of being their own bosses and pursuing their passions.
The future of China will be shaped by the choices and aspirations of its younger generation. While the Chinese government endeavors to address youth unemployment and discontent, it must also consider the changing desires and priorities of Gen Z. As the world’s second-largest economy, China needs to adapt to the evolving needs and aspirations of its young people to ensure sustainable growth and social stability.
The stories of individuals like Joy Zhang and Zheng Guling highlight the resilience and determination of Gen Z in navigating a challenging job market. Their pursuit of their dreams and willingness to forge their own paths demonstrate the potential for change and redefinition in Chinese society. The Chinese dream is no longer a singular concept but a personal journey towards fulfillment and self-discovery.
As China moves forward, it must find ways to support and empower its young people. By providing opportunities for growth and innovation, the country can harness the potential of Generation Z, leading to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all. The re-scripting of the Chinese dream is an opportunity to create a society that balances economic development with individual well-being and fulfillment.
