Chapter VI: The Rapid Development of China - A Colleague’s Story
Today, I'd like to share some reflections on a story told to me by a colleague. This story highlights the rapid development China has experienced in recent years, focusing purely on personal experiences rather than boring data or technicalities.
My colleague‘s story begins in a small city near the capital of 贵州 (Guizhou) province, 贵阳(Guiyang), China. They come from a family of four siblings, despite the One-Child Policy (1) that was in effect in China at that time. Their parents (1970s), who only had primary school diplomas, made significant sacrifices to ensure all their children (1990s) could attend school, eventually all earning Master's degrees.
In just one generation, they transitioned from having primary school diplomas to achieving advanced university degrees. This rapid educational advancement is a testament of their hard work and determination but mainly of the quick economic development that China had in a short time.
To draw a direct comparison with my own family, I was the first in my branch to obtain a university degree. My great-grandparents (1900s) had elementary school diplomas, my grandparents (1930s) completed middle school, my parents (1960s) finished high school, and my brother and I (1990s) earned Master's degrees.
While my colleague's situation is not identical, their family also did not come from a major city like Shanghai or Beijing; Guiyang is considered a "small" city by Chinese standards. This comparison highlights how China accomplished in one generation what took Italy three generations. This can truly be defined as the Chinese Economic Miracle (2).
It is fascinating to witness this transformation and gain insights from those who have lived through it. The personal stories behind these broader economic trends provide a deeper understanding of the human experience during such periods of rapid change.
Glossary
(1) One-Child Policy: Implemented in 1979, the one-child policy was a population control measure aimed at curbing the growth rate of China's population by limiting families to one child each. Families that had more than one child faced significant penalties, including fines, loss of employment, and denial of access to social services. Although there were exceptions and variations, the policy significantly shaped the family structure and demographics in China for decades
(2) Chinese Economic Miracle: The Chinese economic miracle refers to the rapid industrialization and economic growth China has experienced since the late 20th century. This transformation has been characterized by massive infrastructure development, urbanization, and a shift from an agrarian economy to an industrial powerhouse.
What about you? What are your thoughts on the Chinese miracle?