China has been celebrating the 40th anniversary of the official beginning of its opening up to the outside world, and the initiation of the economic reforms that have created the Chinese economic “miracle.” The resulting changes in economic opportunities and standards of living speak for themselves. Less often acknowledged are the sea changes in social behavior, norms, attitudes, expression, and interests that have occurred as well. Saving the planet is chic among young, urban Chinese as a cause without the patina of danger that accompanies more political campaigns. Chinese society is open to new forms of relationships. Older and elderly people meet online, date, and often live together without getting … Continue reading 40 Years of Social Change in China