Recognizing Different Perspectives

Location:
Shanghai, China
Latitude/Longitude:
31.230416000000, 121.473701000000
Journal Entry:

Some aspects of life in China have really stood out for me when I compare them to my experiences in the U.S. While most of the differences in the U.S. happen between states (such as New York state having different rules to become a teacher compared with California) but many other standards and regulations are also national, meaning that the expectations don't change from New York to Nebraska or Florida. In China, on the other hand, opportunities for Chinese people are very different depending on where they live.
 The eastern half of the country is far more developed than the western half. This is partly because the Pacific Ocean borders the eastern part of China, allowing companies to ship products around the world easily. Therefore, most business and infrastructure development happens in eastern China. In fact, 94% of the country’s population lives in the east, which is only 36% of the land area. There is also another factor. In Chinese society, there are registration permits that act like sort of a passport for Chinese citizens, giving them the right to live in a specific area and take advantage from benefits there.

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