“Beipiao” : The Chinese Social Reflections through the Chinese Series Remembrance of Things Past《我在他乡挺好的》
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Abstract
Objectives: This research aimed to analyze Chinese social reflections through “Beipiao (北漂)” people in the Chinese series ‘Remembrance of Things Past《我在他乡挺好的》, ’ which is based on real social conditions to understand contemporary Chinese society.
Methods: This research article employs a qualitative methodology, with data gathered through an analysis of four female characters who represent Beipiao people. The data was collected from a series broadcast on YouTube. The analysis is based on the concepts of the Beipiao group and the social reflections depicted through series, films, and literature. The findings are presented through a descriptive analysis.
Results: The researchers found that there are 8 aspects of Chinese social reflections: 1) the struggle to work in the capital for a better life, 2) job competition, which involves slander and pressure, 3) exploitation by employer, 4) family values, where the values from the parents’ perspective differ from the characters, 5) disparities in social welfare rights different, 6) confidence in the quality of healthcare in the capital, 7) emphasis on material objects to create an image under the influence of the environment, and 8) friendship among Beipiao people, who support each other in time of hardship, wish each other well, and think of each other. These reflections can be divided into two issues: those that represent social problems and those that do not. Additionally, the researchers found that the social reflections in the series illustrate the phenomenon of change among four groups of Beipiao people under the pressure of the surrounding oppressive society: (1) those who succeed, (2) those who are striving to improve their quality of life, (3) those who change their mindset and return to their hometowns, and (4) those who choose to end their lives.
Application of this study: The social reflections help to understand contemporary Chinese society. The study result serves as a crucial data source for social planning and development, helping to address social issues systematically and concretely.
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