Part 6/9:
Youth unemployment is a critical issue that highlights the underlying discontent. With official statistics revealing nearly 20% of urban youth unable to find work, the reality is likely much bleaker. The sense of despair is palpable, as recent graduates settle for jobs below their qualifications, leaving an entire generation feeling disenfranchised and betrayed by a system that promised prosperity.
The concept of "lying flat" has emerged as a form of passive resistance; young individuals discouraged by their circumstances retreat into lethargy rather than striving for the previously cherished dream of upward mobility. This growing disillusionment poses a significant threat to the stability of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which relies heavily on economic success to legitimize its rule.