Investigating the Exploitations of Chinese People

The complexity of Chinese society makes understanding the abuses and exploitation of its citizens difficult. In this article, we will investigate some of the causes and situations perpetrating this exploitation in an effort to bring attention to the violations and help make a change for better.

The global community has taken notice of reports about human rights violations and labor exploitation in China, but studies suggest that the situation is more complicated than is being reported. The legal framework in China has a dual identity: one side is a vaguely defined law directed towards governing the country, while the other deals with upholding the image of a perfectly run nation. This makes it hard to obtain accurate data about the exploitative conditions that Chinese citizens face on a daily basis.

Exploitative Conditions

A primary issue that has been reported is wage discrimination, as wages for Chinese citizens are noticeably lower than those paid to foreign workers. Additionally, jobs in China can be considered dangerous, as labor in the manufacturing, construction, and transportation industries often have poor safety standards and regulations. Thousands of Chinese citizens have lost their lives due to inadequate safety practices and negligence, even though the Chinese government has expressed a commitment to improving conditions, more must be done in order to protect workers’ rights.
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Another type of exploitation that does not receive as much attention, is the systemic abuse of migrant workers leading to forced labor and human trafficking. These violations are particularly heinous, as vulnerable citizens are exploited for labor and disregarded for their rights.

Education as a Solution

Experts suggest that by improving educational and employment opportunities for Chinese citizens, the exploitation of workers can be reduced. The Chinese government has undertaken various initiatives to help in this regard, but the lack of resources often makes it hard to follow through. Additionally, widespread poverty and a general lack of trust in Chinese institutions make it difficult for the government to help in a meaningful way.

A way to fix some of these issues is to promote equal access to education that is affordable and of good quality. China’s education system must become accessible to everyone regardless of location, gender, or socio-economic status. An educated citizen is more likely to be actively engaged in advocating for their rights, and create further opportunities for others.

It is true that progress has been made in China’s labor laws, but there is still a long way to go until exploitation is entirely eradicated. It is the duty of the international community to pressure the Chinese government into strictly enforcing worker rights and laws, providing more protection for those who are disempowered and exploited.
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