China’s netizens rage at gig work ‘welfare’ remark
AgenciesThe term “flexible employment” has gone viral in China after a prominent economics professor described gig work as a form of “welfare”, drawing widespread public anger and...
A prominent China economist's claim that gig work qualifies as "welfare" has sparked outrage among netizens, highlighting deep concerns over job insecurity. Zhang Dandan, a professor at Peking University, made the remarks during a financial show discussion, arguing that flexibility is a form of welfare for gig workers, even if they lack social protections.
The comments provoked backlash, with critics accusing Zhang of ignorance of the gig economy's harsh realities. The controversy has hit a nerve as China's cooling economy makes stable employment harder to come by. According to a think tank, flexible workers will make up 44% of China's urban workforce this year, equivalent to the entire U.S. population.
The rise of gig jobs, exempt from social insurance, heightens risks for China's welfare and pension systems. Industry experts warn of long-term consequences. While some pointed out Zhang's work documenting gig workers' struggles, her framing of flexibility as a benefit was seen as insensitive.
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