Chinese Authorities Tap into "Involution" to Address Burnout

Chinese authorities have incorporated the concept of "involution," a term used to describe a state of futility and exhaustion, into their policymaking efforts. The Mandarin Chinese word for "involution" is neijuan, which has become a ubiquitous slang term among students, parents, and workers feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of modern life. According to officials, the term "involution" was first introduced to the Chinese government's lexicon through a series of reports highlighting the need for work-life balance and stress relief measures. "We recognized that the concept of involution was resonating with the public, and we wanted to address the issue in a more systematic way," said a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The concept of involution originated in English in 1963, when American anthropologist Clifford Geertz used it to describe the phenomenon of people working harder than ever but yielding less and less food in Dutch colonial society in Indonesia. The term gained traction in niche academic circles, particularly in the fields of sociology and economics, before making its way into the Chinese meme world and eventually into government policymaking. Scholar Philip Huang, who used the term in a seminal study on the effects of capitalism, noted that the concept of involution has been particularly relevant in China's rapidly changing economic landscape. "As China's economy has become increasingly complex and competitive, many people have found themselves feeling overwhelmed and exhausted," Huang said. "The concept of involution provides a useful framework for understanding and addressing this issue." In response to the growing concern about involution, the Chinese government has implemented a range of policies aimed at promoting work-life balance and reducing stress. These measures include flexible work arrangements, mental health support services, and increased parental leave. "We believe that by addressing the issue of involution, we can create a more sustainable and equitable society," said the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security spokesperson. As the concept of involution continues to gain traction in China, experts are watching with interest to see how the government's efforts to address the issue will unfold. "The Chinese government's recognition of the concept of involution is a significant step forward in acknowledging the need for work-life balance and stress relief measures," said a scholar at the China Studies Institute. "However, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be effective in addressing the root causes of involution." The Chinese government has announced plans to continue monitoring the issue of involution and to develop new policies aimed at addressing the problem. In the meantime, the term "involution" remains a ubiquitous part of the Chinese lexicon, serving as a powerful reminder of the need for balance and sustainability in modern life.