The politics around China’s own ‘manosphere’

Available for over a year

China has a growing “manosphere”. But it isn't a copy of the one in the West. So what's fuelling the anger among many young Chinese men? There are no Andrew Tate-style influencers leading a movement. Instead, frustration is spread across online communities where some young men vent about dating and the cost of building a family. The soaring cost of marriage and the long shadow of the one-child policy have turned up economic and demographic pressures on the country, reshaping relationships in China today. On this episode, host Mariko Oi is joined by a senior journalist working on the Asia Specific podcast, Derek Cai. Also on the discussion are Dr. Ling Tang, who teaches cultural studies at the University of Melbourne, and Yihuan Zhang, a graduate researcher at the University of Macau. Together, they examine why and how Beijing has targeted both feminist and misogynistic voices online, and what the government's efforts to control the conversation reveal about power, gender and social stability in China. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk