China

Youth unemployment is a complex issue, but even more so in China as a result of government policy and society’s expectations, says Christian Yao, Senior Lecturer, Te Herenga Waka at the Victoria University of Wellington.

Under the Hukou system, households in China are required to register, and authorities then determine where they live and work and which public services they can access.

The system often stops rural residents taking advantage of urban opportunities, which can limit their work prospects.

The stress and uncertainty experienced by this demographic is only worsened by the expectations that come with being the only child in the family as a result of China’s one child policy, which was abandoned only seven years ago.