What would you like to know about the middle class in China?

This is not exactly a question but a comment. I think it is so unfair how the Chinese seem to work so hard for only pennies a day.

Good luck on your book!

Carol,

Thanks for the comment. The newer generation of Chinese have different attitude about work and life balance, specially this new middle class people - they want to travel, they want to enjoy luxury, and they want to buy summer houses in South France! Things have changed so much in just last a few years!

How has the single child policy created strain on the young members of the middle class? Specifically, a husband and wife who will have responsibility for a total of four parents who will be growing old and needing help.

How do middle class Chinese people, now that most of them are more educated and more exposed to western thoughts and beliefs, see human and civil rights? What are their thoughts about the matter and how do they intend to go about it?

Helen, great idea for a book...interesting how the Chinese "middle class," has become much like America's middle class? Maybe, even striving for more??? I think, I would love to find out how did they get to this point and how will they be able to sustain this lifestyle?
Keep me posted...And, when I buy the book I'll send it you for you to autograph.
My best to you, mo~zy

How do they define "middle class"? Aspiring to villas in the south of France is definitely not within my definition fo middle class! MIddle class includes teachers, police officers, nurses, secretaries and similar people, as well as engineers and architects. None of the ones I know think that a villa in France is at all within their realm of aspirations! College for the kids and a decent retirement is more like it!

I'm also interested in their views of the 1-child policy.

What values shape their personal and family life, and their relationships within their community? How do these values compare or contrast with traditional Chinese values? Is the rise of the middle class affecting family and community life?

How do members of the new middle class view the events in Rianamen Square? How do they view Maoism and the Cultural Revoution? What are their memories of the Cultural Revolution or their family memories if they are younger?

What about their spirituality? Are there changes as a result of entering the middle class? Does any formal religion interest them? Why or why not?

What do they believe about romance and marriage, having and raising children and preparing them for the future?

What is their typical day oike andhow is it siilar to or different from a more traditional one?

Do they continue to think about food and health in traditional ways? For instance, do they retain their parents' interest in balancing "hot" and "cold" foods such as taking care to eat garlic or ginger ("hot") ith pea vine or other leafy grens ("cold)? I'd lilke to read what they sayabout their cooking and dining, both at home and dining out.

What are their views of hospitality, compassion and other community virtues? How do they live their views?

How do they perceive the role of the middle class in an officially communist state? Will the state change or will they, or will they find some Chinese middle ground?

I ould love to read about them *without* a US or Western lens!

I'm looking forward to your book, Helen.

Wondering about child care..... how are they balancing work vs staying home with the child?

How does the emerging middle class view its relationship to its totalitarian government? Is it actively seeking more political influence and more secure liberties, such as a free press and the freedom of religion?

Is there a concern for pollution? Global warming? Sustainable lifestyle?
Good luck Helen...sounds like a good book.

Cauchy3 will or will not drop a cogs to buy me your book it depend no my budget. i am chineses-cheung shun sang

Helen, this article is now a FEATURE in Friday Writing Essentials.

How has the culture changed to effectuate the better treatment of baby girls and young women in China? Also, how easy is it to adopt a Chinese girl? Are the guidelines very strict?

helen - i would be very curious as to the attitudes (and infrastructure) for charitable giving and work - usually in the US, when people have more money, they try to give back. is that a cultural concern in china? and is the gap between the haves and have-nots increasing even more?

what a fantastic book idea! i'll buy it!

Helen. The American architect, William McDonough, is consulting with the Chinese government to build sustainable cities for 400 million people over the next 10 years. Are the Chinese people aware of and amenable to living in such cities?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4682011.stm

Along with questions about the one-child policy, how do Chinese people feel about the possibility of having their children adopted by Westerners (specifically Americans)?

To be followed up by - what is the average Chinese attitude toward middle-class Americans? Competitive? Envious? Wary?

I'm also interested in the evolution of Communism and how the Chinese middle class might effect governmental change.

(Very excited for you, Helen!!)

Thanks, everyone! Truly appreciate these questions. I am so grateful that we have this Gather community! I will be in China for the next two months and will check back with you when I am back.

What are the feelings of the Chinese people in China towards the Chinese outside of China? I heard a few of my friends said the Chinese in China despised the Chinese that left their motherland... How true is this?

I hope you are able to spend some time in the country side. I am curious how the poor villagers are living and what their prospects are. Also what religious training are children receiving? Is the government still suppressing organized religion? What is the Faleng Gong all about and why is the government so bent on destroying it? Have a wonderful trip!!

I am very interested in the "urban shift", and the creation of this brand new middle class in cities. What are the growth plans for amenities in cities? Are they building stadiums and movie theaters? This is a whole (very large) group of people that will have disposable income! What are they doing with it?
Great idea for a book. Looking forward to reading it!