In The Chinese Dream, a groundbreaking book about the rising middle class in China, Forbes columnist, consultant, and China expert Helen Wang challenges us to recognize that some of our fears about China are grossly misplaced. As a result of China’s new capitalist paradigm, a burgeoning middle class-calculated to reach 800 million within the next fifteen years-is jumping aboard the consumerism train and riding it for all it’s worth-a reality that may provide the answer to America’s economic woes. And with China’s increasing urbanization and top-down governmental approach, it now faces increasing energy, environmental, and health problems-problems that the U.S. can help solve. Through timely interviews, personal stories, and a historical perspective, China-born Wang takes us into the world of the Chinese entrepreneurial middle class to show how a growing global mindset and the realization of unity in diversity may ultimately provide the way to creating a saner, safer world for all.
- Deconstructs the myths about China as a superpower and global manufacturing power
- Takes us into the world of the driven middle class and shows how the not-so-private sector operates
- Provides a historical perspective on China and examines the possibility of democracy in China’s future
- Shows how a mindset that embraces the idea of unity in diversity could help solve China and America’s growing energy, health, and environmental problems
Through this eye-opening book, Wang widens our understanding of China today and shows how this new class of upwardly mobile young people, who have modern ambitions and a growing global consciousness, are beginning to drive China toward a new and different future, possibly a democratic one.
Author Helen Wang was born in China. After the last days of the Cultural Revolution, she watched the gradual opening up of China as it moved from state-owned enterprises to private businesses. The dictum of Deng Xiao Ping, “To get rich is glorious,” cleared the way for the creation of a new class of budding capitalists—China’s prosperous middle class, which is calculated to reach 600-800 million within the next decade and a half.
To gain a clear view of the impact of this new middle class, Wang provides us with interviews of executives of foreign-owned firms, connected Communist party members, rural migrants who are seeing their dreams of a better life come to fruition, and young entrepreneurs who are becoming increasingly westernized, consuming as fast as the money pours in. She also provides us with a careful analysis of the social and political forces at work in society, as she takes us on a journey to many places in China that reflect her own life-changing experiences.
In The Chinese Dream we also learn about the downside to China’s rapid economic growth and urbanization, which is creating extreme anxiety in the middle class and placing tremendous stress on the natural environment. With a poor educational system, an inadequate healthcare system, and widespread air and water pollution, China must now begin to turn its attention to problem-solving if its people are to survive and prosper—and this is where the United States can play a very important role.
“I believe the world’s stability and prosperity will depend on how well China and the West understand each other, trust each other, and learn from each other.” – Helen Wang
For the definition of the Chinese middle class, please see here.
For the future growth of the Chinese middle class, please see here.
Reviews:
“In a mere two decades China has developed the world’s largest middle class. Helen Wang tells that story – and her own – in this wonderfully informative and readable book.”
- Joseph Nye, Distinguished Service Professor, Harvard University, the author of The Future of Power
“… the most insightful voice that accurately captures the China of today – its promise and peril – … have a sense of the country’s past, but an equally vibrant vision for its future.“
“The growth of China’s middle class rivals the growth of China’s overall economy as a phenomenon with huge implications for the entire world. Whether China will become a more liberal and democratic society, … whether it will develop a spiritual power to match its material influence — these and other questions are Helen Wang’s topic in this fascinating book. It rings true to what I have seen in China and suggests new possibilities.”
- James Fallows, National Correspondent of The Atlantic, the author of Postcards from Tomorrow Square: Reports from China
“The Chinese Dream offers a fascinating look at one of the most dynamic forces shaping our world today. With an engaging personal perspective, Helen Wang makes sense of the rise of a large Chinese middle class, and of those who have profited from that rise or failed to do so. A truly valuable read for anyone who wants to do business in China.”
- Gady Epstein, Beijing bureau chief, Forbes
“Helen Wang’s conversations, her reflections and stories, bring to life the hopes and concerns of China’s emerging middle class. An unusual book, very readable and full of insight.”
- John Quelch, Professor at Harvard Business School and former Dean of London Business School
“Helen Wang takes us through the world of China’s middle class with riveting personal stories, and shows us how this important demographic will alter the global economy in the years ahead. A must-read for businesses that want to tap into this enormous market.”
- Shaun Rein, Founder and Managing Director of China Market Research Group (CMR)
“The Chinese Dream tells one of the most important stories of our time – the rise of the world’s largest middle class. Helen Wang enlightens us with the possibility of ‘unity in diversity’. A comprehensive, and yet easy to read book about modern China.”- Ken Wilcox, Chief Executive Officer, Silicon Valley Bank
“With a fresh look at the development of the new China, Helen Wang offers an engaging, respectfully researched perspective on the world as one entity as she uncovers the importance of communication, cooperation, and collaboration in her eloquent book, The Chinese Dream. A captivating read!”
- Cynthia Brian, New York Times bestselling author, TV/Radio personality/ Founder, Be the Star You Are!®
“The Chinese Dream describes countless possibilities for shared growth, on both national and international levels. For those looking to gain a deeper understanding of modern Chinese society, and those looking to prepare for a new age of globalized collaboration, Helen Wang’s The Chinese Dream is an exciting and timely resource.”
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