Factory Girls: From Village to City in a Changing China

My first 5-star book of the year! Factory Girls is a powerful and eye-opening account of the lives of migrant workers in modern-day China. Written in 2008, the book provides a unique perspective on the experiences of young women who have left their rural homes in search of better opportunities in the cities. Through interviews and personal observations, the book delves into the challenges these women faced during China's period of hypergrowth in the early to mid-2000's, contrasting the grueling work conditions and desperate exploitation with ample opportunities for social mobility.

One of the strengths of this book is its humanizing portrayal of the workers, who are often seen as faceless and anonymous in the media. Chang brings their stories to life, highlighting their ambitions, hopes, and fears, and demonstrating the incredible resilience and determination they possess while navigating a rapidly changing economic reality.

Despite being written over a decade ago, many of the issues discussed in the book remain relevant today, as exemplified by recent worker protests at Foxconn triggered by the strict enforcement of no-COVID policies at that time.

In addition to its focus on the lives of migrant workers, Factory Girls also explores the author's family history, including her own experiences as a Chinese-American. Although I think this part could have easily been written as a separate book, it still provides a rich and fascinating insight into the experiences of the Chinese diaspora as well as the sufferings borne by those who stayed behind during the Cultural Revolution.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary China and the lives of those who are driving its economic boom. It is a well-researched and insightful look on the realities of life for the millions of migrant workers sacrificed on the altar of globalization and serves as a stark reminder of the costs of rapid economic growth.