Why search for love in the ‘iron rice bowl’ may be killing growth in northern China
- Paper shows having a government job may outrank salary, education, ability, appearance or love for young Chinese seeking a partner
When she was growing up in a small town in China’s northeast, Lisa Li’s parents constantly reminded her of the importance of getting a government job.
“They told me it provides security. It’s a real job. You won’t just be working to earn a living,” she said.
In keeping with her parents’ wishes, after graduating from college in 2013, Li sat the test for a job at China’s foreign ministry. But she failed to get in.
Next, she tried for a clerical job with the military, and failed again.
“I felt that I desired freedom too much to get in,” said Li, who now works as a website editor in Beijing.
03:15
Young feminist defies Chinese government’s childbearing drive as population shrinks
But her parents have not given up hope. They have taken to setting her up on dates with men in government jobs – known colloquially as the “iron rice bowl” because of their job security. Potential suitors have included a civil servant in Inner Mongolia and a member of staff at the cadre-training Central Party School in Beijing.
