User:SalesmanW/Migrant Labor Force in China
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During 1966 to 1976, Mao Zedong, who was the Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party, initiated cultural revolution in order to ensure Communism would stay in power. This was done by trying to rid China of Imperialism and Western ideas. One way they did was through red guards, who would torture anyone that was against this, it included peoples' family, friends, and teachers. The cultural revolution was a disaster, causing China to fall behind for several decades. During this time, people suffered from famine and economic failure. Not until 1976, there was finally some hope in their lives. On September 9th 1976, Mao Zedong passed away as the founder of People's Republic of China, and Deng Xiaoping immediately took over the supreme power of Chinese Communist Party and People's Republic of China. With the guidance of Deng Xiaoping, China reached another level and boosted its economy. On December 18th 1978, Deng Xiaoping and reformists within the Chinese Communist Party launched economic reform, opening the borders of China to foreign investments and investors. Through this Deng Xiaoping created special economic zone, forming cities like Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Xiamen, where foreign investors were able to invest without restrictions or intervention from the Chinese Communist Party. With economic reform, investors became rich in the newly prospering cities. As a result, this encouraged people from all over to move those cities to attempt earning some fortune. These people became known floating population. With increasing population in these cities, there was a great demand for jobs. As a result, salaries became lower since many people were competing for the same job. This cheap large labor force attracted foreign investors and companies such Nike and Ford Motor Company, who invested in Chinese factories to reduce cost and maximize their profits. In addition, many private firms, known as getihu, started to open and utilized these cheap labors. With the introduction of millions of factories in China, there became an increase in greenhouse gas emission, contributing to climate change. Even worse, the appearance of consumerism caused factories in China to produce more products and emit more greenhouse gases that will worsen climate change.