The post-80's Chinese generation is radically different from the previous one, making it particularly interesting and important to study. Indeed, China being a major superpower, it is essential to understand the wishes and behaviors of this new generation, the one which is the future of the country. This generation has been largely influenced by its rapidly changing environment, which has led to many evolutions in the personality traits of the people.
Tocqueville’s famous quote: "Each generation is a new society coming to life", dating back from the 19th century applies perfectly to this new generation which has undergone an incredible evolution and has created a major generational gap with their parents. This gap is even said to be equal to the gap between first and third generations in Western societies.
Table of Contents
1. Who are the “Little emperors”?
2. The influence of a changing environment
2.1. Economical and political factors
2.2. Social factors
2.3. Resources: technology and higher education
3. Personal characteristics
Objectives and Topics
This literature review aims to examine the unique characteristics and environmental drivers of the "post-80's" generation in China, exploring how political, social, and economic shifts have shaped their entrepreneurial potential and values as they transition into the workforce.
- Impact of the one-child policy on generational behavior and individualism.
- Economic reforms and their role in fostering a market-economy and entrepreneurial mindset.
- The influence of rising living standards and middle-class growth on consumption and career choices.
- The correlation between increased access to higher education and changing professional aspirations.
- Evolution of traditional Confucian values toward self-centered and innovative perspectives.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1. Economical and political factors
On an economical level, the new generation witnessed the strong effects of the reform era and China’s opening up to the world, launched by Deng Xiaoping in late 1978. It led the country to becoming a market-economy with a pool of new opportunities and less government control over daily life (Ting et al., 2012). The speed and size of the economic development that went on in China, being the new “factory of the world”, in less than two decades is one of a kind. It is commonly referred to as “China’s miracle”, leading the country to becoming stronger and playing a critical role in the global economy. The economic growth of the country was boosted: the national GDP soaring at the rate of 9.8 % and per capita income growing by 39 times between 1979 and 2009 (Xiaolu, 2009).
China, a middle-class high-growth country, is a hotbed today for entrepreneurship increased growth expectation. It is a land of opportunity in high tech, healthcare and renewable energies (Padma, 2013). The 2008 Global Entrepreneurship Report categorized China as being an efficiency driven economy, thanks to its industrialization, the increased reliance on economies of scale, the increased production quality, and the capital-intensive firms. However, in order for it to get to the next stage and become an innovation driven economy it will have to be able to sustain high wages and a better standard of living (Padma, 2013),
Furthermore, the post-80’s generation was born right after the government decided to put into place the one-child policy, which means those young Chinese grew up with no siblings in a 4-2-1 type of family: 4 grand parents, 2 parents and 1 child. In 2007, Times named those Chinese children the “me generation” because of the full attention and over protection that was given to them by their families leading them to becoming more and more self-centred and individualistic, opposed to the traditional Confucian values of collectivism (Ting et al., 2012). The issues this policy is revealing today are tremendous; one of them being that the “post-80’s” Chinese generation will be the sole care provider for their elderly parents in a few decades, and the government will need to find and implement solutions very fast.
Chapter Summaries
1. Who are the “Little emperors”?: This chapter defines the "post-80's" generation, born under the one-child policy, and highlights their significance as the future mainstream of Chinese society.
2. The influence of a changing environment: This chapter analyzes how economic reforms, social transformations, and access to technology and education have created a distinct, individualistic generation.
2.1. Economical and political factors: This section details how the opening up of China and the one-child policy fundamentally altered the institutional landscape and the upbringing of the youth.
2.2. Social factors: This section discusses how rising economic prosperity and the growth of the middle class have led to new lifestyles and a shift in values toward consumerism and professional ambition.
2.3. Resources: technology and higher education: This section examines the impact of increased connectivity and higher education on the competency and working-world perceptions of the new generation.
3. Personal characteristics: This chapter synthesizes the primary personality traits, such as increased individualism and self-confidence, that define this generation and fuel their entrepreneurial motivation.
Keywords
Post-80's generation, China, one-child policy, little emperors, entrepreneurship, economic growth, individualism, education, middle class, Confucian values, market economy, labor market, innovation, consumption, career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the "post-80's" generation in China, focusing on how their unique upbringing and the shifting economic landscape influence their potential for entrepreneurship.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key areas include the impact of the one-child policy, economic reform, the rise of the middle class, the role of higher education, and shifts in traditional Chinese cultural values.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to understand who the "post-80's" generation is and what drives them, given their radical differences from previous generations.
What scientific approach does the author use?
The author conducts a literature review, synthesizing statistical data and academic studies regarding generational shifts in China.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The body covers environmental influences (political, economic, social, technological), the educational context, and the resulting personal and professional characteristics of the generation.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Keywords include post-80's generation, China, entrepreneurship, one-child policy, individualism, and economic growth.
How did the 4-2-1 family structure affect this generation?
The 4-2-1 structure (4 grandparents, 2 parents, 1 child) led to overprotection and intense focus on the child, contributing to a self-centered and individualistic "me generation" mindset.
What relationship does the author identify between higher education and the labor market?
There is an inverse correlation; as more graduates enter the market, it has become increasingly difficult to find suitable jobs, leading to concerns about youth unemployment and a "generation at risk."
How has the view on entrepreneurship shifted in China?
Entrepreneurship is now viewed as an opportunity for wealth and professional success, shifting away from the necessity-based survival motives of previous generations.
- Citar trabajo
- Oriana Rotta (Autor), 2014, Overview of the post-80's Chinese generation. The Influence of a Changing Environment, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/281681
