rural-revitalization

The chapter examines China's complex agrarian transition by weaving together intergenerational memories of famine, the socio-political impact of the hukou system, and the rural-urban inequalities that shape contemporary Chinese society. It highlights the historical centrality of rural peasants in nation-building and contrasts China's rural revitalization efforts, which integrate technology and entrepreneurship, with the economic challenges faced by rural America. The narrative emphasizes the importance of understanding China's future through its past, exploring cultural perceptions of time, technological influence, and nationalist projections between China and the United States.

The chapter follows Sun Wei, a young rural Chinese drone operator who leverages digital skills and precision agriculture to build a hopeful entrepreneurial future distinct from traditional government jobs and precarious gig work. It explores tensions between technological advancement and job security among drone operators, alongside government efforts to address rural-urban educational disparities through livestreaming and vocational training as part of a broader rural revitalization strategy. The chapter concludes by contrasting the rural countryside with the urban lifestyle, highlighting the challenges of attracting young people back to rural areas amid the allure of city life.