In the 30 years since China opened up economically, hundreds of millions of people have ascended into its urban middle class. However, the Chinese miracle is slowing down and young people are becoming disillusioned. High property prices prevent the young from buying homes, but measures to lower property prices would drastically reduce the wealth of their parents and grandparents. While there’s no real challenge to China’s one-party system, the state does have serious obstacles to overcome in pursuit of expanding middle class society. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
