Chinese anthropologist Biao Xiang becomes viral 'idol' for Gen Z navigating economic anxiety

Key points

• Biao Xiang, a 54-year-old anthropologist and director of the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology in Germany, has gained massive popularity among young Chinese people, who refer to him as an 'idol' and 'star sent from the heavens.'
• Xiang’s appeal stems from his willingness to discuss the 'pain points of the times,' including youth anxiety, the 'curse of 35' (age discrimination in hiring), and the failure of the traditional equation that hard work guarantees a secure job.
• He coined or popularized terms like 'floating' (working relentlessly just to survive) and 'the nearby' (neglecting immediate surroundings for distant goals) to explain the disconnect young people feel in a hyper-competitive society.
• Xiang argues that the property market and expanded higher education have intensified competition, creating a universal playbook where 1.4 billion people race for limited resources, leading to what he calls 'involution.'
• His talks, such as a recent event in Singapore attended by 500 people, are described as 'academic fan meetings,' with audiences queuing for photos and interactions, highlighting a deep emotional connection with his message.
• Xiang believes Chinese society is at a 'turning point' where people are searching for meaning amidst rapid economic changes, contrasting the uncertainty of youth with the country's external assertiveness.

Background

This story highlights a shift in Chinese public discourse regarding youth mental health and economic stability. While previous coverage focused on geopolitical tensions, such as the South China Sea disputes and militarization of reefs, this article addresses the internal social mood. The anxiety described by Xiang reflects the aftermath of China's rapid economic growth, which has slowed since the pandemic, leaving a generation that grew up during double-digit growth rates facing a new reality of saturated job markets and high costs of living. The 'lying flat' and 'involution' movements mentioned in the article are part of this broader cultural response to systemic pressure.

Why it matters

Xiang’s rise as a public figure indicates a significant shift in how Chinese youth engage with social issues. In a landscape where direct criticism of economic policies is often censored, Xiang provides a framework for understanding personal stress as a macro-level issue, offering a sense of validation and agency. His popularity suggests that there is a widespread demand for honest, non-platitudinous analysis of the disconnect between state narratives of success and the lived experiences of a generation facing high unemployment and intense competition. This could influence future public discourse and potentially pressure authorities to address structural issues in education and employment.

What to watch

Xiang is expected to continue his public lectures and media appearances, potentially expanding his influence beyond academic circles. His ability to frame personal anxiety as a systemic issue may encourage other public figures to address similar topics, provided they navigate the sensitive political landscape. The long-term impact depends on whether his insights lead to policy changes or remain a cultural phenomenon that helps individuals cope with the 'involution' of modern Chinese society.