Peking University professor faces backlash over flexible employment comments

Zhang Dandan, Vice Dean of the National School of Development at Peking University, has faced intense public backlash following comments regarding flexible employment in China. During a financial interview, Zhang suggested that from a labor economics perspective, the flexibility of gig work constitutes a benefit because it provides workers with autonomy over their time, despite the trade-off of weaker social security protections.

Public reaction has been largely critical, with many netizens accusing her of being out of touch with the realities of the workforce. Critics argued that for many, flexible employment is a necessity rather than a choice driven by a desire for freedom.

Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of the Global Times, also commented on the controversy. While he criticized the phrasing as being contrary to common sense and potentially disastrous in its public impact, he also noted that Zhang has a history of advocating for social security rights for flexible workers. He suggested that the backlash should not entirely erase her previous academic and practical efforts to support this demographic.