Chinese Gen Z turns to anthropologist Biao Xiang for guidance on navigating economic anxiety
Professor Biao Xiang, a 54-year-old anthropologist, has become an unlikely celebrity among young Chinese people who are grappling with intense economic and social pressure. His popularity stems from his candid discussions about anxiety, job insecurity, and the failure of traditional success metrics. While China's economy has grown rapidly, Gen Z faces high competition, limited job prospects, and a sense of disillusionment. Xiang’s lectures, which address these 'pain points' of the times, resonate with a generation that feels squeezed by systemic demands. He argues that society is at a turning point, where individuals must seek meaning beyond competitive exams and stable jobs, offering a rare public voice on youth discontent in a heavily censored environment.