Uncover the hidden anxieties behind China’s economic boom in Gerard Lemos’s *The End of the Chinese Dream: Why Chinese People Fear the Future*. This Yale University Press publication pierces through the official narrative of prosperity to reveal the lived experiences of ordinary Chinese citizens in the sprawling metropolis of Chongqing. Lemos, a seasoned social researcher, moves beyond superficial observations, offering a grounded perspective on the pressures and uncertainties facing millions in a rapidly transforming society. Drawing from extensive interviews, the book unveils the anxieties around healthcare, education, social mobility, and the erosion of traditional community structures. It’s a powerful counterpoint to the glossy images often presented by state media, delving into the anxieties lurking beneath the surface of China’s seemingly unstoppable rise. Readers gain insight into the frustrations and fears shaping the lives of Chinese people navigating a system that often feels indifferent to their needs. This isn’t just a collection of individual stories; Lemos masterfully connects personal narratives to larger systemic issues, offering a critical assessment of China’s social fabric and its potential impact on the nation’s future stability. The paperback edition, a vital read for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of contemporary China, challenges conventional wisdom and provides a deeper appreciation for the human cost of rapid modernization. With ISBN-13: 9780300197211, this book provides a vital counter-narrative.

A path-breaking study of ordinary Chinese people and how they perceive their lives and opportunities in modern China

Glossy television images of happy, industrious, and increasingly prosperous workers show a bright view of life in twenty-first-century China. But behind the officially approved story is a different reality. Preparing this book Gerard Lemos asked hundreds of Chinese men and women living in Chongqing, an industrial mega-city, about their wishes and fears. The lives they describe expose the myth of China’s harmonious society. Hundreds of millions of everyday people in China are beleaguered by immense social and health problems as well as personal, family, and financial anxietieswhile they watch their communities and traditions being destroyed.
Lemos investigates a China beyond the foreigners’ beaten track. This is a revealing account of the thoughts and feelings of Chinese people regarding all facets of their lives, from education to health care, unemployment to old age, politics to wealth. Taken together, the stories of these men and women bring to light a broken society, one whose people are frustrated, angry, sad, and often fearful about the circumstances of their lives. The author considers the implications of these findings and analyzes how China’s community and social problems threaten the ambitious nation’s hopes for a prosperous and cohesive future. Lemos explains why protests will continue and a divided and self-serving leadership will not make people’s dreams come true.

Dive into the untold realities of modern China with Gerard Lemos's compelling book, *The End of the Chinese Dream: Why Chinese People Fear the Future*. This insightful study, published by Yale University Press, ventures beyond the gleaming facades of economic prosperity to explore the anxieties and frustrations simmering beneath the surface of contemporary Chinese society. Forget the picture-perfect images often presented in state-controlled media; Lemos offers a nuanced and often unsettling portrait of ordinary Chinese citizens grappling with the challenges of a rapidly changing nation. Based on extensive interviews conducted in Chongqing, a sprawling industrial mega-city, Lemos unveils the everyday struggles of men and women facing immense social, health, and financial pressures. This reprint edition provides a crucial counter-narrative to the officially sanctioned story of harmonious progress. Through their voices, we hear about the erosion of traditional values, the anxieties surrounding healthcare and education, the relentless pressure to succeed, and the growing gap between the haves and have-nots. *The End of the Chinese Dream* isn't just a collection of anecdotes; it's a deeply researched analysis of the social and political forces shaping modern China. Lemos connects individual stories to broader systemic issues, exploring the implications of these anxieties for China's future stability and prosperity. He probes the complexities of a society grappling with rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and a political system struggling to meet the evolving needs of its people. Considered a path-breaking work by many, this book sheds light on topics rarely discussed openly. Lemos delves into the fears surrounding unemployment, the pressures of caring for aging parents, and the anxieties of navigating a healthcare system that often leaves people feeling vulnerable. The book also examines the political landscape, revealing a deep-seated skepticism toward a leadership perceived as out of touch with the concerns of ordinary citizens. More than just a sociological study, *The End of the Chinese Dream* offers a human perspective on the anxieties and aspirations of a nation at a crossroads. The 320 pages in this paperback edition offer an unforgettable glimpse into the hearts and minds of the Chinese people, offering a deeper understanding of the complexities shaping China's future. For anyone seeking to move beyond the official narratives and truly understand the challenges facing China, this book is essential reading. It prompts readers to confront uncomfortable truths and consider the human cost of rapid economic development. This book, with ISBN-13: 9780300197211, offers a powerful lens through which to view China's complex and evolving social fabric.

Authors	Gerard Lemos
Binding	Paperback
Condition	New
ISBN-10	0300197217
ISBN-13	9780300197211
Language	English
Pages	320
Publisher	Yale University Press
Year published	2013
Weight	345
Edition	Reprint

The End of the Chinese Dream: Why Chinese People Fear the Future

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