Generation Burnout

In this episode of "Face-Off," Jane Perlez interviews Chang Che about the phenomenon of "garbage time" among China's Gen Z, referring to a post-pandemic malaise and disillusionment with traditional paths to success. Chang Che shares stories from his upcoming book, detailing how young, educated Chinese are experiencing job scarcity, diminishing ambition, and a sense of being stuck, leading some to seek alternative paths like opening coffee shops or retreating to rural areas. The conversation explores the links between this ennui and declining marriage rates, the rise of feminist awakening, and the similarities and differences between disaffection in China and the United States. They also discuss the role of technology, government policies, censorship, and potential for social unrest, with insights from China historian Rana Mitter.