China's working-class youths, who were once promised prosperity through hard work and education, are now facing significant barriers to upward mobility. Since the 1980s, over 800 million people have escaped poverty, and the middle class has grown to approximately 400 million. However, with economic growth slowing, wages stagnating, and jobs disappearing, the dream of social advancement is increasingly elusive, particularly for those from modest backgrounds.
Individuals like Boris Gao illustrate this struggle. After his parents lost their jobs at state-owned factories, Gao's family faced financial hardship, impacting his education. Despite graduating from college in 2016 and pursuing further studies in Hong Kong, his job search has been fraught with challenges, including unpaid work trials and rejection based on his educational background. Gao expressed that societal perceptions of perseverance are often seen as weaknesses, further complicating his pursuit of a stable career.
The rising anxiety over inequality in China highlights a growing divide between the privileged and those from working-class backgrounds. The children of the elite often inherit not just wealth but also advantageous job opportunities and connections, while the children of laborers and farmers find it increasingly difficult to ascend the social ladder, regardless of their education or determination.
The online discourse surrounding this issue has given rise to terms like “Pindie,” which critiques nepotism, and “county Brahmins,” referring to small-town elites who monopolize opportunities. A recent incident involving a trainee doctor with questionable credentials sparked public outrage, as it underscored perceptions that familial connections, rather than merit, dictate career advancement in contemporary China.
Amidst this backdrop, interviews with individuals from working-class backgrounds reveal a sense of disillusionment. The older interviewees, who did not attend college, express fears of returning to their former socioeconomic status. Meanwhile, younger men, who identified as “small-town test-taking experts,” describe their struggles to break free from their backgrounds despite their educational achievements, often facing the harsh reality of limited opportunities.
These experiences contrast sharply with those of upper-middle-class families, whose children receive extensive educational support. The disparity becomes evident in prestigious universities, where students from affluent backgrounds network and access resources that are unavailable to their less privileged peers. This has led to a growing awareness of inequality among educated individuals from working-class origins.
For many, securing a position in state-owned enterprises, known for offering stable jobs, remains a goal. However, the necessary connections to access these opportunities often elude those without elite backgrounds. As a result, individuals like Josh Tang find themselves returning to less desirable jobs, feeling that opportunities are monopolized by those within privileged social circles.