Peking University professor's 'gig work as welfare' remark sparks China backlash
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Peking University economics professor Zhang Dandan called gig work a form of 'welfare' during a financial show last week, triggering widespread public anger in China. Social media users accused her of ignoring the harsh realities of the gig economy, while a think tank estimates flexible workers will rise to 320 million this year. The controversy reflects deep anxieties over job insecurity amid China's cooling economy.
Key Facts
- Zhang Dandan, a professor of economics and deputy dean at Peking University's National School of Development, made the remarks during a discussion on social protection for gig workers on the financial show 'Let's Talk' last week.
- The China New Employment Forms Research Center estimates the number of flexible workers will rise to 320 million this year from 280 million in 2025, about 44% of China's urban workforce.
- Prominent nationalist commentator Hu Xijin, a former editor at the state-backed Global Times newspaper, called Zhang's remarks 'shocking' and 'unacceptable' on his Weibo account.
- Zhang noted last year that on-demand workers made up about 31% of the workforce in China's manufacturing sector.
The Backlash
Zhang's comments triggered a fierce backlash over the weekend, with social media users accusing her of being oblivious to the harsh realities of the gig economy. Prominent nationalist commentator Hu Xijin, a former editor at the state-backed Global Times newspaper, called Zhang's remarks 'shocking' and 'unacceptable'. Hu wrote on his Weibo account that Zhang should 'respond to public opinion, explain where necessary, and apologize where appropriate'. Zhang did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Gig Economy Scale
The China New Employment Forms Research Center, a think tank, estimates the number of flexible workers — those without permanent full-time contracts — will rise to 320 million this year from 280 million in 2025. That represents about 44% of China's urban workforce and is roughly equivalent to the entire population of the United States. The rise of gig jobs in China, where employers are not mandated to make social insurance contributions, heightens long-term risks for China's already strained welfare and pension systems, some industry experts have warned.
Academic Record
Despite the backlash, some social media users pointed out Zhang's academic career had focused largely on documenting the struggles of gig workers and advocating for their social security. Zhang noted last year that on-demand workers made up about 31% of the workforce in China's manufacturing sector.
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Peking University professor's 'gig work as welfare' remark sparks China backlash
