Social Problems in Communist China
John De La Rosa March 2, 2012 Introduction to East Asia Reflection Paper #3
Social Problems in Communist China China is a country that is plagued with many social problems. Some of them go back many years and others are new to the horizon, thanks to years of not addressing the obvious. Three serious social problems that are of particular concern are the current state of suicides, the impending gender imbalance and the violation of human rights. Suicide rates in China have been reported to be alarmingly on the rise. Rates amongst the urban elderly are particularly high and of concern. Their suicides are being attributed to factors such as the increase in their medical bills and their forced relocation to make room for development. Another reason, which may be a direct result of the “one child laws”, may be the younger generation’s lack of siblings to share with their care. Another group plagued by suicides are migrant workers. These workers are committing suicide in protest of social inequality, poor working conditions and most recently over the plants reneging of severance promised. Gender imbalance is another social problem in China. Reports state that there will be 30 million more marriageable men than woman within 10 years in China. This significant imbalance is also said to be due to the country’s “one child” policy. Couple the previous fact with the number of low income men or men of little education and the result is sure to pose a serious social problem such as increased human trafficking or forced prostitution. The violation of human rights in China is not a new social problem but one that is drawing considerable criticism. Violations
Social Problems in Communist China China is a country that is plagued with many social problems. Some of them go back many years and others are new to the horizon, thanks to years of not addressing the obvious. Three serious social problems that are of particular concern are the current state of suicides, the impending gender imbalance and the violation of human rights. Suicide rates in China have been reported to be alarmingly on the rise. Rates amongst the urban elderly are particularly high and of concern. Their suicides are being attributed to factors such as the increase in their medical bills and their forced relocation to make room for development. Another reason, which may be a direct result of the “one child laws”, may be the younger generation’s lack of siblings to share with their care. Another group plagued by suicides are migrant workers. These workers are committing suicide in protest of social inequality, poor working conditions and most recently over the plants reneging of severance promised. Gender imbalance is another social problem in China. Reports state that there will be 30 million more marriageable men than woman within 10 years in China. This significant imbalance is also said to be due to the country’s “one child” policy. Couple the previous fact with the number of low income men or men of little education and the result is sure to pose a serious social problem such as increased human trafficking or forced prostitution. The violation of human rights in China is not a new social problem but one that is drawing considerable criticism. Violations