China’s Dream of Upward Mobility Fades Amid Economic Slowdown

Since the 1980s, China has witnessed a remarkable transformation with over 800 million people lifted out of poverty. The middle class has surged from almost non-existent to approximately 400 million, accompanied by a mass migration from rural villages to urban centers and a significant increase in first-generation college graduates.

However, this economic momentum has decelerated in recent years. With wages plateauing and job prospects diminishing, the pathway to upward social mobility is becoming increasingly elusive, particularly for individuals from humble beginnings.

For individuals like Boris Gao, the ideal of the Chinese Dream now feels out of reach.

Following the layoffs of his parents from state-owned factories, Gao's father turned to taxi driving while his mother remained at home, struggling financially. To cut expenses, his mother discontinued a school text notification service, causing him to miss important homework and activity updates.

Despite these challenges, Gao demonstrated exceptional determination. After graduating college in 2016, he pursued further studies in Hong Kong and saved diligently. Yet, since 2024, his job search has been fraught with difficulties. He was once asked to work unpaid during a trial period, resigned from a position after two months without pay, and was rejected by another employer who deemed his overseas education a political liability.

In one interview, Gao was questioned about his parents’ occupations — a common practice in China — and was bluntly told, “Your family has low social status,” resulting in a job denial.

“To them, persistence is viewed as a flaw,” Gao reflected. “If you have to fight so hard, it means you aren’t good enough.”