China's Youths Face Diminished Dreams Amid Economic Challenges

Since the 1980s, millions have escaped poverty in China, but recent economic stagnation is eroding the dreams of many, especially young adults from humble beginnings. Individuals like Boris Gao exemplify the struggle against socio-economic barriers in an increasingly challenging job market.

Amid the backdrop of China's remarkable journey from poverty to prosperity over the past few decades, a disheartening narrative is emerging. The rapid economic ascent that lifted over 800 million people out of poverty and expanded the middle class to roughly 400 million is now faltering, leaving many youths disillusioned with the so-called Chinese Dream.

For individuals like Boris Gao, the promise of upward social mobility appears increasingly elusive. After his parents faced layoffs from their state-owned factory jobs, the Gao family fell into financial hardship. In an effort to save money, his mother even canceled his school’s text messaging service, which led him to miss crucial school updates.

Despite his tenacity, which drove him to graduate from college in 2016 and pursue further education abroad, Gao's job search has been fraught with obstacles since 2024. He encountered exploitative offers, such as unpaid trial work, and faced discrimination for his education outside mainland China. Many potential employers have judged him by his family's background, underscoring the societal barriers that persist in contemporary China.

“Their perception is that if you struggle, it reflects a lack of capability,” Gao reflected, revealing the distressing sentiment among young job seekers in China. As the economy struggles with stagnating wages and diminishing job opportunities, the outlook for the younger generation remains increasingly bleak.