Title: “Rise of ‘Full-Time Sons and Daughters’ in China Reflects Growing Youth Unemployment Crisis”
In a growing trend, an increasing number of young people in China are opting to become “full-time sons and daughters,” choosing to stay at home and receive financial support from their families to avoid the pressures of work and education. This phenomenon comes as the jobless rate for 16 to 24-year-olds in urban areas reached a record high of 21.3% last month, highlighting the dire situation faced by the younger generation in a struggling job market.
According to Zhang Dandan, a researcher at Peking University, if the 16 million young people who are staying home or relying on their parents for support were included, the true youth unemployment rate in China could skyrocket to a staggering 46.5%. This revelation underscores the severity of the youth unemployment crisis in the country.
This trend has gained significant traction on social media platforms, with thousands of young individuals actively discussing their experiences and daily routines as “full-time sons and daughters.” Unlike the previous generation, they assert that they are different. Rather than being labeled as “the generation that eats the old,” they spend quality time with their parents and actively contribute to household chores in exchange for financial support.
Several factors contribute to the rise of the “full-time sons and daughters” phenomenon. A struggling job market, coupled with a weakening economy, has left many young people with limited career prospects. Additionally, the trauma caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has created a desire among youth to spend precious time with their loved ones, further fueling the popularity of this trend.
However, experts caution that relying solely on family support as a long-term solution could have significant drawbacks. By not actively acquiring new skills and seeking better opportunities in the labor market, young individuals risk becoming unemployable in the future. Thus, it is essential for them to strike a balance between spending time with their families and actively cultivating their professional development.
As China grapples with the growing youth unemployment crisis, initiatives aimed at providing more job opportunities and vocational training for young people become increasingly imperative. Only through creating a supportive environment that addresses the underlying challenges can the younger generation thrive and contribute to the country’s overall economic growth and well-being.
In conclusion, the rising trend of “full-time sons and daughters” is a dire reflection of the staggering youth unemployment crisis in China. While many young individuals seek respite from the pressures of work and education, experts advise caution, emphasizing the importance of actively acquiring skills and seeking better opportunities to avoid long-term consequences. Addressing the root causes of the job market struggles and providing support and resources for young people will be paramount in ensuring their future success.
