China's Masses of Unemployed Young Adults Who Are Pretending to Have Jobs
The economic slowdown in China has led to a soaring unemployment rate, particularly among young adults. According to a recent study by the Chinese Ministry of Labor, the unemployment rate among young people aged 16 to 24 reached a record high of 20% in 2025. This is significantly higher than the overall national unemployment rate, which stands at only 15%.
In response to this crisis, many unemployed young people have turned to unconventional methods to stay afloat. Some have taken up part-time jobs or started their own businesses, while others have turned to hobbies and extracurricular activities to fill their time. Despite these efforts, many young adults still struggle to find stable employment, often accepting jobs far below their skill level or educational background. The crisis has also led to an increase in social unrest, with many young people taking to social media and other platforms to voice their concerns and frustrations.
The Psychology Behind Pretending to Have a Job
Pretending to have a job is not a new phenomenon, but one that has gained significant attention in recent years. Many young adults in China have turned to this tactic as a way to avoid the stigma associated with unemployment. Some also believe it is an easy way out to dodge the disturbing implications of long-term joblessness.
The phenomenon can be understood through the social psychology concepts of labeling theory and the just-world hypothesis. Labeling theory suggests that people identify themselves based on the social labels assigned to them, and being unemployed can have a significant impact on how they perceive themselves. The just-world hypothesis, on the other hand, relates to the idea that individuals believe the world is fair and just, and that people get what they deserve from their efforts and actions. When individuals, particularly young adults, face unemployment despite their efforts to find work, their beliefs about a just world may be challenged. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
The Effect of Pretending to Have a Job
While pretending to have a job may provide a short-term psychological benefit, it can also have negative consequences. The individual may feel even more hopeless and depressed when they have to constantly lie about their employment status. It can also hinder them from actively looking for jobs and applying for opportunities, thus making it harder for them to re-enter the workforce.
Additionally, the social stigma associated with unemployment may still persist, even if individuals pretend to have jobs. This could lead to further isolation and lack of community support, which could potentially exacerbate the mental health issues that often accompany long-term unemployment.
