In 2023, India released a Hindi-language biographical film titled "12th Fail". Based on a true story, the film tells the story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who was born into a poor family. After experiencing family turmoil, he resolves to change everything by passing the Civil Services Examination. The film also conveys the main message that features an upright deputy superintendent of police Dushyant Singh who saves Manoj's brother from corrupt officers and advises Manoj to live honestly. Inspired by this, Manoj is determined to become an honest police officer himself.
In reality, Indian society is rife with deception. Manoj's school has a terrible culture of cheating, where every student engages in it. Teachers even play a role in this by writing examination answers directly on the blackboard. Despite this, the pass rate for exams is only 12.5%. When the school is investigated, the principal directly bribes the police, claiming this is a tradition in education for India's lower-tier schools. Manoj chooses to face the exam honestly without cheating, making him the only student in the school to do so.
The film showcases the intense competition and low acceptance rates of the Civil Services Examination in India, which are considered among the most competitive in the world. Out of 200,000 candidates, only 20 are admitted. In the movie, Manoj overcomes significant challenges, including extreme poverty, poor educational conditions, and a daunting environment.
Manoj prepares for the exam using his grandmother's life savings, but he falls asleep on the bus and has all his money and belongings stolen by a woman. Fortunately, a stranger who later became his friend allows him to work while he studies. Manoj faces numerous setbacks and failures. With no money, he can only study in a dark wooden partition on a construction site, sleeping just three hours a day and enduring great hardships. He witnesses the honest police chief being reassigned and learns the harsh realities of maintaining integrity. While working as a temp at a training institution, he exposes the false advertising of the owner, leading to his job loss. Despite all these obstacles, he perseveres and, after four failed attempts, finally succeeds in passing the Civil Services Examination, qualifying for the Indian Police Service (IPS). This is a remarkable achievement in rural India, where he is celebrated as a hero.
From India to China, two of the world's most populous countries, the situation may be quite similar. In present-day China, there is also a trend where students aspire to enter police academies instead of prestigious universities like Tsinghua or Peking University.
From the perspective of social structures and mechanisms, China's “gaokao”, or national undergraduate admission examination, as well as civil servant examination, much like India's Civil Services Examination, and even the imperial examination in ancient China, serve as a window for those in lower social strata. Many candidates strive to overcome societal barriers and class distinctions. In these countries and historical periods, government officials and civil servants enjoy high social status, job stability, and unique benefits. It is important to note that in some social environments, these exams represent almost the only pathway for the impoverished. By succeeding in these exams, individuals can achieve upward mobility, wealth, and coveted social status. Therefore, when faced with this nearly singular ladder to advancement, the poor are likely to work exceptionally hard, making significant sacrifices and exerting extraordinary effort, which increases their chances of standing out.
Unsurprisingly, China's "exam factories", i.e. institutions known for their industrial model of education, produce Chinese language slogans that translate as "to educate a child means to make the whole family prosper", "make those who look down on you see you differently!", "success is guaranteed!", "without gaokao, these poor children are unlikely to enjoy a good life!". Some are in English, for instance, "I believe it, I can do it”.
Yet this narrow pathway, which provides a route to success for the lower classes, is also a source of social problems. As the largest employer in the country, the government holds monopolistic power. When this power intersects with a strong desire for upward mobility and wealth, it can lead to widespread corruption. For many in the lower classes, the main goal is to escape poverty and improve their circumstances. Combined with governmental privileges, this environment makes corruption almost inevitable. Looking at the current anti-corruption efforts in China, it is clear that many individuals from impoverished backgrounds have faced significant setbacks, indicated by their tragic fall from grace after attaining success.
This is not a critique of the lower classes. Within this demographic, there are idealists, individuals of integrity, loyalty, and ambition, similar to the character of Manoj in the film. However, statistical evidence indicates that a significant portion still exhibits basic survival instincts, particularly among those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Consequently, the prevalence of bureaucracy and corruption tends to be higher. Corruption can be viewed as a systemic issue where individuals from marginalized backgrounds may exploit one another. The fundamental challenge lies in the overall social environment, which provides limited pathways for upward mobility. Expanding opportunities and ensuring equitable access could significantly reduce the incidence of corruption.
The problem, therefore, lies in this singular pathway of social upward mobility.
When comparing China and India, it is evident that corruption is more severe and pervasive in India. China has also faced similar historical challenges. For example, in the past, even having an electrician from the housing authority change a lightbulb often required bribery, typically in the form of a pack of cigarettes. China's more successful development relative to India can be attributed to significant reforms and the advancement of a market economy, which have created broader opportunities for its citizens. As a result, young entrepreneurs like Jack Ma have risen from humble beginnings to become billionaires, gaining social status and respect. This transformation reflects the benefits of the current era and the opportunities presented by a market-driven economy.
Therefore, a market economy is not only vital for national strength but also essential for the future of China’s youth, particularly its emerging elites. It determines whether they have access to greater opportunities, broader avenues for advancement, and meaningful pathways to success. This insight reflects both modern China's developmental journey and historical lessons. Without a market economy, recognition of capital, and the opening of opportunities, China faces a bleak future. The future belongs to the younger generations, who need a thriving market economy to realize their potential. Otherwise, their talents and ambitions risk becoming contributing factors to societal corruption rather than catalysts for social progress.
Final analysis conclusion:
A market economy is certainly not an impeccable economy, as it encompasses both positive and negative aspects. However, the most significant characteristic of a market economy is that it is an “opportunity economy”. It opens up opportunities to the public in a fair and accessible manner. In this context, ambitious and hardworking individuals, much like Manoj, will have greater chances to succeed and more pathways to achieve their goals, ultimately shaping the future of China.
