중국 신세대 농민공의 분화와 청년 빈곤 문제 ― ‘싼허 청년(三和靑年)’의 사례를 중심으로

Abstract

The issue of migrant workers that began to emerge along with the development process of Chinese economy has been set forth in a variety of ways. How to view the issue of migrant workers is also associated with the analysis of the Chinese society and economy model. Today, migrant workers, added with generational issues, assume an even more complex aspect. Unlike the upper-generation migrant workers who had formed a deep bond with traditional communities, new generation migrant workers have a significantly reduced bond with rural villages and do not perceive themselves as peasants either. This new generation migrant workers born after the 80s show new characteristics in terms of awareness or lifestyle; pertaining to this, “Sanhe youth,” who have appeared in Shenzhen, are highlighted as one of the cases that demonstrate the condition of poverty youth, which is rapidly on the rise. A youth group formed around the “Sanhe Labor Market” located in Longhuaqu, Shenzhen, most of them are the post-90s and sustain a minimum standard of living, flitting from one day labor to another. The problem is that their appearance cannot be seen merely as a temporary and accidental phenomenon. Their emergence is the consequence of complex interactions among various factors such as the Chinese economy structure, realistic constraints of migrant workers whose upward movement is unfeasible, mentality of frustration and anxiety overflowing the youth population, and hostility toward Fordism-style factory culture. Sanhe youth exhibit the process of how many young people, who have come to Shenzhen with dreams of city and an aspiration for success, lose their sense of purpose and are left with a precarious life. This is not limited to an individiual case of failing to adapt to a city but reveals an aspect of Chinese society concealed by its glamorous exterior of economic growth.