996 to Lying Flat

Episode Narrative

In the vast expanse of the late 20th century, the landscape of China was a tapestry woven with threads of transformation and struggle. The years from 1991 to 2006 marked a pivotal era in this narrative. During this time, rural poverty in China experienced a significant evolution. Once predominantly chronic, poverty began to take on a transient character. Households moved in and out of poverty as economic reforms accelerated, reflecting an increasingly dynamic, yet precarious, existence. Although the grip of poverty loosened, vulnerability remained a familiar specter for countless families, an intricate dance of hope and despair that shaped their daily lives.

As China ventured into the new millennium, the shift in nutrition intake patterns became a telling reflection of these social changes. In the early 1990s, the lowest social classes consumed more calories than the affluent. Yet, by 2011, a dramatic reversal had occurred; the upper echelons now enjoyed a richer diet. This shift was not merely about calories but spoke volumes about rising incomes, urbanization, and changing dietary habits. The consumption patterns highlighted a society unspooling its past while grappling with an uncertain future.

By 1999, the Chinese government acknowledged the widening urban-rural divide and regional disparities under the banner of “common prosperity.” This policy aimed not only to maintain economic growth but also to address the social imbalances that had emerged. It was a fundamental shift in ideology, one that would gain urgency and traction under Xi Jinping’s leadership from 2012 onward. The commitment to a more equitable distribution of wealth was driven by an understanding that a thriving nation must uplift all its citizens.

As the early 2000s dawned, a remarkable transformation took place: the rapid expansion of the Chinese middle class. By 2007, a majority of households had achieved a middle-class status, defined by an income range of $2 to $20 per day. This was a profound shift from 1991, when approximately 40% lived in poverty. The middle class became a visible force, buoyed by economic reforms and newfound opportunities. The streets of bustling cities and quiet villages resonated with the aspirations of families hoping for a brighter future. The desire to ascend the social ladder was palpable, yet not without challenges.

The years between 2008 and 2015 presented a different story. Urban China saw a sharp rise in earnings inequality, exacerbated by the traditional hukou system — an archaic household registration structure that limited opportunities for rural migrants. This system bifurcated society, creating a chasm between those who could access urban advantages and those who could not. Coastal regions experienced greater disparity than their inland counterparts, and for many, the glass ceiling of class structure obscured the light of opportunity.

Against this backdrop, the long-lasting effects of the Communist Revolution began to reveal themselves. Descendants of peasants and workers continued to face disadvantages in education compared to those from previously privileged backgrounds. The scars of history lingered even as some individuals enjoyed upward mobility. The remnants of a more rigid class structure, shaped by decades of political upheaval and social experimentation, were still very much alive.

Then came 2013, a year marked by a significant announcement from the Chinese government. Plans were unveiled for a “fairer and more sustainable social security system,” alongside deeper healthcare reforms. It was a hopeful signal, suggesting a transformative approach aimed at reducing inequality through systemic redistribution. The winds of change stirred within the fabric of society.

A shift occurred in the very nature of consumption patterns by the year 2016. Studies revealed that social class significantly influenced what households chose to spend their money on. Higher classes began to indulge more in discretionary goods, while lower-income households continued to prioritize basic needs. Consumption had become a mirror reflecting social divisions, as economic growth created visible disparities in everyday life.

Fast forward to 2020, and the “996” work culture emerged as a flashpoint for discontent. The demanding schedule — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week — became emblematic of the tech industry’s relentless grind. Workers began to protest, voicing their frustrations over grueling hours and insufficient rewards. The term “neijuan,” or involution, emerged, encapsulating the sentiment of fierce competition without tangible benefits. The atmosphere was charged with anxiety and fatigue, a yearning for balance amid the turmoil.

However, in 2021, a glimmer of hope emerged: the Chinese government declared that it had lifted its entire population above the absolute poverty line. This milestone in the poverty alleviation campaign was celebrated as a testament to decades of reform. But beneath the surface, a more profound struggle was brewing among the youth. The “lying flat” movement arose as a quiet rebellion against the societal pressures to overwork and pursue relentless material success. This minimalist lifestyle advocated for a rejection of stress and ambition, heralding a new philosophy among a generation seeking balance in a fast-paced world.

Between 2021 and 2025, the campaign for “common prosperity” under Xi gained momentum. Wealth inequality became a focal point. The titans of industry faced increasing scrutiny, prompting a push toward regulation and philanthropy from the wealthy. The message was clear: to build a harmonious society, the focus must shift from sheer growth to shared prosperity.

Meanwhile, in 2022, a nuanced study of urban residents in Guangzhou segmented society into four distinct classes: retirees, manual workers, and various categories of white-collar workers. Their varying experiences and subjective well-being underscored profound differences grounded in social stratification. These lived experiences revealed the myriad ways in which class influenced daily life and aspirations, highlighting both individual struggles and collective narratives.

The story of consumption continued to evolve. By 2023, real monthly per capita expenditure had surged, reflecting the rise of a more affluent middle class. As expenditures for essentials fell, there was a striking increase in discretionary spending. The financialization of daily life became a dominant theme, with digital payments and easy access to credit reshaping how households managed their budgets. The growth of buy-now-pay-later options showcased a society navigating newfound desires and financial complexities.

The landscape was undergoing a definitive change. Looking ahead to 2024, the pressure to obtain international higher education surged among middle-class families. It became a pathway to social mobility and adherence to aspirational life scripts. Education was no longer just a goal; it was an expectation, a necessity to ensure the next generation would flourish in an increasingly competitive world.

Yet, as the narrative of progress unfolded, challenges simmered beneath the surface. The China Alzheimer Report projected troubling trends surrounding elderly health issues, which pointed to intergenerational care responsibilities falling increasingly on urban middle-class families. The burden of aging would soon intertwine with the fabric of modern life, forcing families to confront both economic and emotional strains in caring for their elders.

Spanning from 1991 to 2025, the complex story of social mobility in China echoed the broader narrative of industrialization. While opportunities expanded, market forces concentrated elite advantages, leading to what many termed “class closure” at the top. Agriculture workers found more upward mobility compared to elites, whose status increasingly reproduced itself across generations. The landscape seemed to reflect a struggle for balance as economic progress and inequality coexisted side by side.

At the heart of it all lay the hukou system — an enduring barrier to mobility. For rural migrants and ethnic minorities, the double disadvantage remained a profound obstacle, complicating the pursuit of better lives even amid overall economic growth. The path to class mobility remained fraught with challenges, illuminating the reality that growth alone could not erase the scars of history and systemic inequities.

As we reflect on this narrative arc, the journey from “996” to “lying flat” becomes a poignant metaphor for the evolving aspirations and struggles of a generation. The contrasting philosophies encapsulate a society caught in the throes of rapid change, questioning the very foundations upon which its future is built. One must ask: in the pursuit of common prosperity, how can China ensure that every citizen finds their place on this intricate tapestry of dreams and realities? The answer may lie not only in policy but in the hearts and minds of its people, longing for balance amid the rush of life.