Tangping: intergenerational evolution of Chinese work culture

Abstract

Tangping is a social movement that developed in China between 2021 and 2022 as a rejection to overwork culture. The movement diffused online mainly among youngest generations, because it advocates for a simple lifestyle that favors work-life balance. Tangping philosophy resonates with youth’s opinions on many socioeconomic problems that have become evident in the last years; it encourages people to prioritize their needs over society expectations and find happiness outside of the traditional idea of success – compete, consume, have a full-time job, own a house, marry, have children. This research discusses whether Tangping can be considered representative of an intergenerational change of Chinese cultural values, and how it will impact the labour market.