Tang ping, bailan, run. Narastające problemy młodego pokolenia w Chinach

Abstrakt

The younger generation in China is contending with an array of challenges within a rapidly aging society, such as the lack of job security despite rigorous studies, a swiftly rising cost of living, the pressure to purchase real estate, and limited investment avenues. In 2020, the term “Nei Juan” was coined to describe the relentless and pervasive competition persistently pursued for continual growth, leaving many feeling trapped. In response to Nei Juan and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, social movements such as Tang Ping (lying flat), Bailan (letting it rot), and the more recent “Run” have gained traction among the youth, serving as a form of passive resistance to societal pressures, government surveillance, and state-imposed expectations. Faced with these issues, Chinese authorities are striving to strike a delicate balance between social control and the need for continued dynamic economic advancement. Recently they have rolled out a stimulus package aimed at maintaining a yearly 5% GDP growth rate. However, the pressures on the younger demographics are further compounded by demographic shifts, rising domestic debt levels, and the looming threat of an escalating tariff war.