Generation Frustrasia
A horizon scan about East Asian youth’s disillusionment and unconventional responses to the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash
The world is changing rapidly, and the youth of East Asia are responding in surprising and unconventional ways. Faced with societal expectations, economic stagnation, and limited social mobility, many are choosing to reject traditional paths to success. This scan explores the growing disillusionment of this generation, their unconventional responses to traditional expectations, and the potential implications for their future.
Rejecting Traditional Futures
In China, the "tang ping" movement encapsulates the spirit of rebellion among Gen Z. Translating to "lying flat," this movement signifies a growing trend among young people to reject societal norms such as marriage, hard work, and property ownership. This phenomenon is not isolated to China; similar attitudes are observed in Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, marking a regional shift in the mindset of the youth.
East Asia faces a troubling increase in youth unemployment, with China's figures soaring to 21.3% in June 2023, a stark rise from 9.6% in May 2018. These figures point to deeper economic and societal issues affecting the younger generation, adding to their sense of disillusionment and prompting a reevaluation of traditional success paths.
Declining Fertility and Aging Populations
The choice of many young people in East Asia to opt out of traditional life paths is leading to a decline in fertility rates and an aging population. The region now has the world's lowest regional fertility rate at 1.2 births per woman. Despite significant investments, like South Korea's $210 billion effort over 16 years, the birth rate remains low. By 2050, one in three people in East Asia could be over the age of 65, posing a significant demographic and economic challenge.
This generation's rebellion against traditional norms is multifaceted. From China's "Tang Ping" movement to Taiwan's "Strawberry Generation," known for their perceived fragility and pursuit of pleasure, to Japan's "Satori" generation, characterized by apathy rather than ambition, and South Korea's "N-po" generation, giving up on family, dating, and career - each represents a unique aspect of the youth's struggle in East Asia.
What Lies Ahead for Generation Frustrasia?
The challenges faced by Generation Frustrasia echo globally, as youths worldwide grapple with uncertainty and a polycrisis. A broader conversation is needed to address these shared challenges. Without addressing underlying issues, a rise in young people disconnecting from society could trigger a demographic crisis and economic downturn. However, these cultural shifts may also herald a change in societal values, emphasizing individual happiness, mental health, and new definitions of success, potentially leading to a more diverse and inclusive society.
To foster a healthier outlook among the youth, policy interventions should focus on better work-life balance, alleviating societal pressures, and providing increased support. There's an opportunity here to redefine societal values, placing greater emphasis on mental health and individual happiness, potentially transforming society into a more inclusive and diverse space.
SOURCES
"The number of non-active young people is a global problem", Financial Times, 2023
"Kinas unge lægger sig fladt ned", Zetland, 2022
"What's behind South Korea's population decline?" by Julian Ryall, DW, 2021
"This country wanted a 69-hour workweek. Millennials and Generation Z had other ideas", CNN, 2023
"East Asia grapples with an aging society" by Emmy Sasipornkarn, DW, 2023
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