Work Futures

China's Reform Generation Faces Downward Mobility Amid Stagnation and Age Bias

Sourced from 2 publications

  • China's reform-era generation, once beneficiaries of rapid economic growth, now faces widespread layoffs and limited reemployment options in midlife.
  • Institutional age discrimination in Chinese hiring practices routinely excludes applicants over 35 from many positions.
  • Economic stagnation has compounded the problem, shrinking the pool of available jobs for displaced middle-aged workers.
  • The generation faces potential downward mobility after decades of expecting continued prosperity and career advancement.
  • The gap between this cohort's expectations and economic reality is creating significant social pressure within China.

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