Difference between revisions of "User:Deng Xin"
| Line 91: | Line 91: | ||
8. From which dimensions can we assist the transformation and development of the "Bang Bang" group? | 8. From which dimensions can we assist the transformation and development of the "Bang Bang" group? | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Answers=== | ||
| + | |||
| + | 1. The porter group "Bang Bang" uniquely symbolic of Chongqing, predominantly composed of migrant workers utilizing bamboo poles for cargo transport, embodies a distinctive socio-economic emblem reflective of regional culture and represents the city's inaugural generation of logistics practitioners. | ||
| + | |||
| + | 2. Following the initiation of reform and opening-up policies in 1978, relaxed restrictions on population mobility prompted a resurgence of dockworker activities. The term "Bang Bang" specifically denotes these laborers who employ a single bamboo pole for goods transportation, thereby entering common lexicon. | ||
| + | |||
| + | 3. Chongqing's topographical identity as a "mountain city" and its status as an upper Yangtze River shipping nexus, characterized by steep slopes, extensive stairways, and developed waterways, fostered a distinctive dock culture. During the 1990s, limited transportation infrastructure and absence of mechanized freight solutions created substantial demand for human-powered cargo handling and personal goods conveyance. | ||
| + | |||
| + | 4. Demographic analysis reveals male dominance exceeding 90%, with concentration in middle-aged and elderly cohorts averaging 52 years, indicating pronounced workforce aging. Rural migrants constitute 88% of practitioners, exhibiting significant income disparity (RMB 600-7,000) correlating positively with local economic development. Operating predominantly in high-density urban zones without fixed worksites, most engage in decentralized casual labor lacking standardized organization or management frameworks. | ||
| + | |||
| + | 5. Dual pressures from technological advancement and market evolution have contracted occupational viability. Systemic deficiencies include inadequate social security provisions, income volatility, persistent professional stigmatization, and insufficient psychosocial support, collectively exacerbating a downward spiral of diminishing workforce participation. | ||
| + | |||
| + | 6. Externally, transportation modernization, elevator urbanization, and digital freight platforms have displaced traditional services. Internally, workforce aging, geographic dispersion, outdated service modalities, and low efficiency impede adaptation. Societally, insufficient welfare safeguards and occupational prejudice discourage new entrants, prompting existing practitioners to transition to alternative sectors. | ||
| + | |||
| + | 7. While complete disappearance remains improbable, substantial contraction is anticipated. The enduring legacy of "Bang Bang spirit"—embodying diligence and resilience—is projected to persist as cultural heritage. | ||
| + | |||
| + | 8. Endogenous transformation strategies include expanding relational networks, adopting platform-based operational models, consolidating recurring clientele, and leveraging human-powered transport advantages in specialized scenarios. Exogenous integration requires policy interventions ensuring basic social welfare, establishing organizational networks, balanced media representation to counter stigma, and enhanced psychosocial support systems. | ||
==期末论文== | ==期末论文== | ||
Revision as of 10:26, 31 December 2025
My name is Deng Xin from Pingxiang City, Jiangxi Province. I completed my undergraduate studies at Sichuan International Studies University in Chongqing, where I majored in Business English and later specialized in Foreign-related Law through program streaming.
During my undergraduate years, I received multiple honors, including the "Merit Student" title and the Second-class Scholarship from Sichuan International Studies University for the 2023-2024 academic year. I also won prizes in various competitions: the Second Prize in the 2024 National English Competition for College Students, the Second Prize in the 7th Business English Competition, the Third Prize in the 2023 National English Competition for College Students, and the Second Prize in the 6th National Foreign Language Ability Competition for College Students. Additionally, I hold certificates such as CET-4, CET-6, TEM-4, and TEM-8.
I have diverse hobbies: I enjoy watching TV series, especially British and American ones; playing badminton; trying delicious food, with a particular fondness for carrots, bread and cakes; and traveling, particularly visiting parks.
Currently, I am pursuing a master's degree in English Translation and Interpreting at the School of Foreign Languages, Hunan Normal University. I previously had internship experiences at a data company and a business consulting company in Chongqing.
Final Exam Paper
The Disappearing Chongqing "Bang Bang"
Introduction
In 2005, arriving in Chongqing by train, you'd emerge from the station with your backpack and luggage to find a group of people at the exit. They carried bamboo poles or wooden sticks with two ropes tied to them—the locally renowned “Bang Bang”. They'd crowd around, asking in thick Chongqing dialect, “Need a hand?” Sometimes, before you could even answer, they'd already snatched your luggage and backpack. In 2025, arriving in Chongqing by high-speed rail, you'd be met at the exit by a swarm of ride-hailing drivers asking, “Need a ride? Grab coupons through the app for cheaper fares.” Over two decades of development, Chongqing “Bang Bang” porters have gradually become a thing of the past. This group is showing signs of disappearing. While you might still catch glimpses of them in some commercial streets or parcel stations, this cannot mask the profound impact rapid social development has had on the “Bang Bang” community. What course would the “Bang Bang” porters follow in the future? Will they vanish entirely? How can we sustain the extant community? This article addresses these questions through a three-tiered analysis-introducing the “Bang Bang” community first; then expose the challenges they are faced with and analyze the root causes; and finally, systematically exploring their future prospects while proposing measures to safeguard their interests.
The Existence of the “Bang Bang”
“Bang Bang” is a unique group in Chongqing, primarily composed of migrant workers. Their existence spans centuries. As the city's first generation of logistics practitioners, they have not only witnessed Chongqing's rapid development but also made significant contributions to it, serving as a socio-economic symbol deeply rooted in regional culture. This chapter will delve into the formation and evolution of the Bang Bang group through three dimensions-historical origins, underlying causes, and group structure.
Historical Continuity of the Bang Bang
The Bang Bang group traces its history back to the late of Ming Dynasty, when they were known as “porters” or “carriers”. Operating without direct local government oversight, they primarily earned their living by independently securing work. Later, leveraging its strategic location, Chongqing emerged as a vital freight hub at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. As vast quantities of goods flowed through its docks, dockworkers gradually organized into guild systems. Those not affiliated with a guild were termed “informal laborers” (野力). After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the term “informal laborerers” gradually faded. Restrictions imposed by the household registration system (hukou) severely limited population mobility, forcing many dockworkers to return to their rural hometowns to farm. Following the implementation of the Reform and Opening-up policy in 1978, restrictions on population mobility gradually eased, sparking a resurgence of dock laborers. The term “Bang Bang” emerged, specifically referring to porters who used a bamboo pole as their primary tool for moving goods. The Bang Bang industry reached its peak in the mid-to-late 1990s. Most of the Bang Bang workers active today are either practitioners who continued from that era or their descendants.
The Origins of the “Bang Bang”
The evolution of the Bang Bang reveals a close connection between their emergence and Chongqing's topographical features and geographical location. As one of China's four municipalities, Chongqing is predominantly hilly and mountainous, with its main urban area built along the slopes, earning it the nickname “Mountain City”. The Yangtze River flows eastward across its entire territory, joined by numerous tributaries like the Jialing and Wu Rivers. This extensive water network provides superior transportation conditions, earning Chongqing the title of the Yangtze River's upstream shipping hub and fostering a unique dock culture.(Ge Yuzhe 2015) It was precisely this geographical advantage that enabled the rapid growth and expansion of the “Bang Bang” community. Simultaneously, during the 1990s, transportation infrastructure remained underdeveloped. Faced with Chongqing's ubiquitous slopes and staircases, and lacking convenient tools for heavy lifting, substantial demand emerged for freight transport and personal cargo assistance. Against this backdrop, the “Bang Bang” profession emerged naturally. Practitioners earned wages through manual labor, becoming an indispensable force in the city's operations.
Demographic Structure of the Bang Bang Population
According to the study “Analysis of Temporal and Spatial Behavior of Chongqing Bang Bang”(Duan Zhendong et al 2021), the Bang Bang population is predominantly male, accounting for over 90%. Furthermore, 88% originate from rural areas. The age distribution is concentrated among middle-aged and elderly individuals, with an average age of 52, indicating a severe aging trend within the group—a factor highly detrimental to its long-term sustainability. Their income levels exhibit significant regional variations, ranging from a low of 600 yuan to a high of 7,000 yuan, positively correlated with local economic development. “Bang Bang” workers primarily congregate in high-traffic areas such as markets, shopping malls, and stations, lacking fixed work locations. This occupational characteristic results in relatively dispersed distribution and high work flexibility. The vast majority operate as independent contractors, working autonomously without mutual connections, unified organizational structures, or centralized management.(Wang Zan, Wang Lin, Zeng Liang 2015:125) Only in locations requiring centralized oversight, such as docks, do corresponding organizations regulate operational order. With the continuous advancement of the times, the scale of the “Bang Bang” group is now rapidly shrinking, as this profession is gradually being replaced by other emerging industries. Therefore, the next chapter will delve into the real-world challenges faced by the “Bang Bang” group and the primary factors leading to its decline from peak to decline.
The Plight of the “Bang Bang”
Dual Impact of Technology and Market
The “Bang Bang” porter profession emerged during the early stages of social development when transportation options were scarce and technological capabilities were limited. In today's context of rapidly advancing productivity, iterative upgrades in transportation systems, and increasingly sophisticated technology, this profession inevitably faces significant challenges. On one hand, the widespread adoption of elevators has enabled convenient goods transportation, eliminating the need for porters to carry loads up stairs using shoulder poles. On the other hand, the emergence of various freight platforms has made logistics services more efficient and accessible, allowing users to quickly obtain services by placing orders through these platforms. In comparison, the service model of porters is relatively outdated-their dispersed distribution leads to delayed service responses, and their reliance solely on manual transportation struggles to meet current market demands. Under the dual pressures of transportation alternatives and shrinking market, the survival space for porters has significantly diminished.
Systematic Lack of Social Support
Beyond technological and market pressures, the “Bang Bang” community also faces insufficient social support, with notable shortcomings in both material security and emotional care. As specialized manual laborers, most “Bang Bang” lack basic social security like “five social insurance and one housing fund.” Coupled with sharply reduced market demand, their work is unstable, and daily income is difficult to guarantee effectively, leading to fewer people willing to join the industry. Simultaneously, the occupation's low entry barriers and reliance on temporary manual labor, along with minimal educational requirements, often lead parents to use it as a cautionary example for their children. This inadvertently reinforces societal prejudice against the “Bang Bang” profession. Furthermore, most “Bang Bang” workers originate from rural areas, working alone in cities while separated from their families for extended periods. The frustrations and pressures encountered at work often go unshared and unresolved, and they cannot readily access emotional support from their families. The absence of material security and the scarcity of positive emotional reinforcement further exacerbate the survival challenges faced by the “Bang Bang” community.
Persistent Decline in Industry Size
The significant reduction in numbers represents another core challenge confronting the “Bang Bang” community. Predominantly composed of middle-aged and elderly individuals, this group exhibits pronounced aging characteristics. Compounded by market pressures, occupational displacement, and inadequate social security, few young people are willing to enter the “Bang Bang” profession. The absence of new recruits, coupled with many practitioners shifting to other industries like food delivery, courier services, or security work, has led to a persistent decline in the group's size. Particularly as the “Bang Bang” population ages, their psychological needs become more pronounced than in their youth. Abandoning the “Bang Bang” profession may thus be more beneficial for them personally.(Wang Zan, Wang Lin, Zeng Liang 2015:127) Yet the shrinking group size further diminishes societal attention to their needs, creating a vicious cycle that makes survival increasingly difficult for the remaining “Bang Bang.” In summary, the shrinking industry space, lack of material and psychological support, and continuous decline in group size collectively constitute the survival dilemma faced by Chongqing's “Bang Bang” workers. This has also prompted societal reflection on whether the “Bang Bang” profession will disappear and how remaining practitioners can sustain their livelihoods. The next chapter will provide a detailed analysis of these two issues.
The Future of the “Bang Bang”
Many scholars assert that the “Bang Bang” community will inevitably disappear. Among them is Qin Jie, a researcher specializing in this group, who stated in an exclusive interview ( https://www.jiemian.com/article/1050310.html ) that Chongqing “Bang Bang” will certainly vanish. Although the income of “Bang Bang” workers is steadily declining and the pressures on their livelihood are intensifying, most remain relatively satisfied with their current circumstances.(Duan Zhendong et al 2021:212) This is largely due to the relative freedom their work offers and the fact that their earnings are sufficient to sustain their lives. But in today's rapidly evolving world, the “Bang Bang” group may indeed struggle to keep pace with the times and could potentially be phased out by commercialized markets. However, their “Bang Bang” spirit will never fade and it will be passed down through generations. Thus, while the scale of the “Bang Bang” community may shrink, individuals will continue to pursue this profession—perhaps part-time or in alternative forms. The spirit of “Bang Bang,” uniquely rooted in local culture, will persist. To assist them in navigating this challenge, we can implement measures from two perspectives.
Internal Transformation: Restrengthening Workers' Capabilities
Bang Bang themselves must proactively address challenges. Given their dispersed distribution, some consumer demands may go unmet, leading to lost opportunities. Thus, the Bang Bang community needs to expand their network, drawing lessons from freight platforms. Simultaneously, they should maintain their unique strengths and solidify their base of regular customers. Some clients prefer familiar Bang Bangs, a personal touch that distinguishes them from freight platforms. In areas inaccessible to most vehicles—such as staircases common in Chongqing—Bang Bang demonstrates distinct advantages.
External Integration: Societal Systemic Inclusion
To better address the challenges faced by the “Bang Bang” community, external support is needed to provide both material and emotional assistance. Governments must establish policies ensuring these workers receive basic social welfare benefits, help them build support networks, and guide public understanding of their role. Media plays a crucial role in fostering deeper understanding of this profession beyond prejudice. It must objectively introduce this group to the public and provide them with moral support. Bang Bang represent a valuable cultural symbol of Chongqing, embodying the spirit of diligence and resilience passed down through generations. Objective and accurate recognition of this group is essential.
Conclusion
Bang Bang is a product of a specific historical era and a unique urban landscape of Chongqing. However, with the acceleration of social development and the insufficiency of the social support system, this group is facing a survival crisis and is gradually being replaced by emerging industries, with its scale continuously shrinking. To help them overcome these difficulties, efforts must be made both internally and externally. Internally, the Bang Bang community must take proactive steps to address their shortcomings and strengthen their core strengths. Externally, governments and media must collaborate to provide essential material support and psychological assistance. As vital carriers of local culture, the spiritual essence of the Bang Bang—rooted in their unique value and irreplaceability—will endure beyond changing times, forever remembered and passed down.
Reference
[1] Ge Yuzhe 葛煜喆.(2015) 地域文化在码头环境景观中的传承与表达[The Inheritance and Impression of Regional Culture in Wharf Landscape]. Chongqing: Southwest University西南大学
[2] Duan Zhendong 段振东, Jiang Luhan 蒋璐韩, Luo Xiang 罗湘雨,et al等.(2021). 重庆“棒棒”的时间空间行为分析[Analysis of Temporal and Spatial Behavior of Chongqing “Bang Bang”]. Journal of Green Science and Technology绿色科技
[3] Wang Zan 汪瓒, Wang Lin 王玲, Zeng Liang 曾亮. (2015). 重庆“棒棒军”职业变化及其影响因素的初步探究[Preliminary Research on the Career Changes and Impacts of Chongqing "Bangbang"]. Journal of Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences (Social Sciences Edition) 重庆文理学院学报(社会科学版)
[4] Wang Zan 汪瓒, Wang Lin 王玲, Zeng Liang 曾亮 P127
[5] https://www.jiemian.com/article/1050310.html
[6] Duan Zhendong 段振东, Jiang Luhan 蒋璐韩, Luo Xiang 罗湘雨,et al等 P212
Terms and Expressions
Bang Bang 棒棒
Migrant Worker 农民工
Porter 脚夫
Carrier 挑夫
Informal laborer 野力
Household registration system 户籍制度
Five social insurance and one housing fund 五险一金
Questions
1. What is "Bang Bang"?
2. What is the origin of the term "Bang Bang"?
3. What is the historical background for the emergence of the "Bang Bang" group?
4. What characteristics does the internal structure of the "Bang Bang" group present?
5. What are the difficulties faced by the "Bang Bang" group?
6. What are the reasons for the gradual decline of the "Bang Bang" group?
7. Will the "Bang Bang" group eventually disappear completely?
8. From which dimensions can we assist the transformation and development of the "Bang Bang" group?
Answers
1. The porter group "Bang Bang" uniquely symbolic of Chongqing, predominantly composed of migrant workers utilizing bamboo poles for cargo transport, embodies a distinctive socio-economic emblem reflective of regional culture and represents the city's inaugural generation of logistics practitioners.
2. Following the initiation of reform and opening-up policies in 1978, relaxed restrictions on population mobility prompted a resurgence of dockworker activities. The term "Bang Bang" specifically denotes these laborers who employ a single bamboo pole for goods transportation, thereby entering common lexicon.
3. Chongqing's topographical identity as a "mountain city" and its status as an upper Yangtze River shipping nexus, characterized by steep slopes, extensive stairways, and developed waterways, fostered a distinctive dock culture. During the 1990s, limited transportation infrastructure and absence of mechanized freight solutions created substantial demand for human-powered cargo handling and personal goods conveyance.
4. Demographic analysis reveals male dominance exceeding 90%, with concentration in middle-aged and elderly cohorts averaging 52 years, indicating pronounced workforce aging. Rural migrants constitute 88% of practitioners, exhibiting significant income disparity (RMB 600-7,000) correlating positively with local economic development. Operating predominantly in high-density urban zones without fixed worksites, most engage in decentralized casual labor lacking standardized organization or management frameworks.
5. Dual pressures from technological advancement and market evolution have contracted occupational viability. Systemic deficiencies include inadequate social security provisions, income volatility, persistent professional stigmatization, and insufficient psychosocial support, collectively exacerbating a downward spiral of diminishing workforce participation.
6. Externally, transportation modernization, elevator urbanization, and digital freight platforms have displaced traditional services. Internally, workforce aging, geographic dispersion, outdated service modalities, and low efficiency impede adaptation. Societally, insufficient welfare safeguards and occupational prejudice discourage new entrants, prompting existing practitioners to transition to alternative sectors.
7. While complete disappearance remains improbable, substantial contraction is anticipated. The enduring legacy of "Bang Bang spirit"—embodying diligence and resilience—is projected to persist as cultural heritage.
8. Endogenous transformation strategies include expanding relational networks, adopting platform-based operational models, consolidating recurring clientele, and leveraging human-powered transport advantages in specialized scenarios. Exogenous integration requires policy interventions ensuring basic social welfare, establishing organizational networks, balanced media representation to counter stigma, and enhanced psychosocial support systems.
期末论文
正在消失的重庆“棒棒”
引言
2005年,你搭乘火车抵达重庆,背着包提着行李走出火车站,便会看到车站口有这样一群人,他们手里拿着扁担或者木棍,上面还绑了两根绳子,这群人就是当地有名的”棒棒”。他们拥上来用地道的重庆方言问你,“要不要帮忙呀?”,有时不等你回答,他们就已经接过了你的行李背包。2025年,你乘坐高铁来到重庆,在出站口一大堆网约车司机涌上来问你,“坐不坐车?小程序领券打车更便宜”。二十年的发展,重庆“棒棒”逐渐成为过去,这个群体正显现出消失的迹象,或许现在还可以在一些商业街、学校快递站瞥见他们的身影,但这终究难以掩盖社会快速发展给“棒棒”群体带来的巨大冲击。“棒棒”何去何从?是否会彻底消失?又该如何维系现存的“棒棒”群体?本文将围绕这些问题,从三个层面展开分析,首先介绍“棒棒”这个群体的存在,再剖析他们面临的困境以及成因,最后系统探讨其发展前景,并提出可采取的措施以保障“棒棒”群体的利益。
“棒棒”的存在
“棒棒”是重庆特有的一个群体,主要由农民工构成,其存在已有数百年历史,作为重庆的第一代物流从业者,他们不仅见证了城市的快速发展,更为此做出了积极贡献,是兼具地域文化特色的社会经济符号。本章将从“棒棒”群体的历史渊源,产生原因和群体结构三个方面,详细阐述这一群体的形成与发展历程。
“棒棒”的历史延续
“棒棒”群体的历史可追溯至明末清初,当时这一群体被称为“脚夫”或者“挑夫”,不受地方官府直接管辖,主要靠自主揽活谋生。后来,重庆凭借地理位置的优势,成为长江与嘉陵江交汇处的重要货运枢纽,大量货物经码头集散进入重庆,码头工人逐渐形成帮派体系,没入帮的则被称为“野力”。新中国成立后,“野力”这一称谓逐渐消失,受户籍制度限制,人口流动受到严格管控,大批码头工人被迫返乡务农。1978年改革开放政策实施后,人口流动限制逐步放宽,码头工人热潮重回,“棒棒”这一称谓开始出现,特指以一根竹棒为工具搬运货物的搬运工。20世纪90年代中后期,“棒棒”行业到达发展的鼎盛期,如今现存的“棒棒”群体,大多是从这一时期延续至今的从业者或者其后代。
“棒棒”的形成原因
从“棒棒”的发展历程不难看出,这一群体的形成和重庆的地势特征和地理位置密切相关。作为我国四大直辖市之一,重庆以丘陵山地为主,主城区依山而建,素有“山城”之称。长江自西而东横贯全境又有嘉陵江、乌江等众多河流,发达的水系为它提供了优越的交通条件因此被称作长江上游航运中心,并孕育出码头文化 。(葛煜喆 2015)正是凭借这样的地理优势,“棒棒”群体得以快速发展壮大。同时,20世纪90年代,交通工具尚不发达,面对重庆随处可见的坡地和阶梯,缺乏便捷的重物搬运工具,大量的货运及出行携物需求应运而生。在此背景下,“棒棒”这一职业顺势出现,从业者依靠人力搬运获取劳动报酬,成为当时城市运转中不可或缺的力量。
“棒棒”的群体结构
据《重庆“棒棒”的时空间行为分析》 (段振东等 2021)研究显示,“棒棒”群体以男性为主,占比超90%,年龄集中在中老年阶段,平均年龄高达52岁,且88%来自农村,群体结构呈现严重老龄化趋势,这对其长远发展极为不利。他们的收入水平具有明显地域差异,最低仅600元,最高可达7000元,与当地经济发展状况呈正相关。“棒棒”主要聚集在市场、商场、车站等人流量较大的区域,无固定工作地点,这一职业特点导致其分布相对分散,工作自由度较高。绝大多数的“棒棒”以散工的形式存在,各自独立工作,彼此之间没有关联,没有统一的组织机构,不受统一管理 。(汪瓒 王玲 曾亮 2015,125)仅在码头等需要集中管理的场所,会有相应的组织机构对其运行秩序进行规范。 随着时代不断发展,如今“棒棒”群体规模正急剧缩减,该职业逐渐被其他新兴行业所取代。因此,下一章将深入探讨“棒棒”群体面临的现实困境,以及导致其从鼎盛走向衰落的主要因素。
“棒棒”的困境
技术与市场的双重冲击
“棒棒”职业兴起于交通工具匮乏,技术水平有限的社会发展初期,而在当今社会生产力快速提升,交通工具迭代升级,技术日趋发达的背景下,其必然面临巨大冲击。一方面,电梯的普及实现了货物的便捷运输,无需“棒棒”依靠扁担挑运货物爬楼;另一方面,各类货运平台的涌现让物流服务更高效便捷,用户通过平台下单即可快速获得服务。相比之下,“棒棒”的服务模式较为滞后,群体分布分散导致服务响应不及时,仅依赖人力运输的效率也难以满足当下市场的需求。在交通工具替代与市场份额被挤压的双重影响下,“棒棒”的生存空间大幅缩减。
社会支持的体系性缺失
除技术与市场的冲击外,“棒棒”群体还面临社会支持不足的困境,物质保障与精神关怀均存在明显短板。作为特殊的体力劳动者,“棒棒”大多缺乏“五险一金”等基本社会保障,加之当前市场需求锐减,工作稳定性差,日常收入难以得到有效保障,导致愿意加入该行业的人越来越少。同时,由于职业门槛低、以临时性人力搬运为主,对从业者教育水平要求不高,部分家长常以此作为反面案例教育子女,无形中加深了社会对“棒棒”职业的偏见。此外,“棒棒”多来自农村,孤身在城市务工,常年与家人分离,工作中遭遇的委屈与压力难以倾诉缓解,也无法及时获得家人的情感支持。物质保障的缺失与精神正反馈的匮乏,进一步加剧了“棒棒”群体的生存困境。
群体规模的持续性缩小
群体数量的大幅减少,是“棒棒”面临的又一核心困境。该群体以中老年人为主体,老龄化特征显著,叠加市场挤压、职业替代、社会保障不足等多重不利因素,几乎没有年轻人愿意从事“棒棒”工作。缺乏新鲜血液注入,再加上不少从业者纷纷转向外卖、快递、保安等其他行业,导致“棒棒”群体规模持续萎缩。特别是随着“棒棒”群体的年龄逐步走向老化,他们在心理上的需求相比年轻时更甚,所以,放弃“棒棒”职业,可能会对他们自身更加有益 。(汪瓒 王玲 曾亮 2015,127)而群体规模的缩小,又使得社会对其需求的关注度进一步降低,形成恶性循环,让留存“棒棒”的生存处境愈发艰难。 综上,行业生存空间压缩、物质与精神支持缺失、群体规模持续萎缩,共同构成了重庆“棒棒”的生存困境,也引发了社会对“棒棒”职业是否会消失、留存从业者如何维持生计的思考。下一章将针对这两个问题展开具体分析
“棒棒”的未来
不少学者表示“棒棒”这个群体肯定会消亡,其中就包括研究”棒棒”群体的学者秦洁,她在接受专访( https://www.jiemian.com/article/1050310.html ) 的时候表示重庆“棒棒”肯定会消失。虽然”棒棒”的收入在不断地减少,”棒棒”生存所面临的压力不断加大,但由于工作相对自由且收入足以维持生活,让大部分“棒棒”对自己当前的生活状态仍较满意 。(段振东等 2021,212)在当今时代迅速发展的时候,“棒棒”这个群体确实可能跟不上时代的脚步,可能会被商业化市场淘汰,但是他们的“棒棒”精神不会消失,会有一代一代的人将这个精神流传下去,因此,“棒棒”这个群体可能是在规模上减小,但是仍然会有人愿意从事这一职业,或许他们是以兼职的方式或许以另外一种职业形式,但是“棒棒”这个独具地方文化特色的精神会被继续流传下去。为了帮助他们应对这一困境,我们可以从两个角度展开措施。
内在转型:劳动者的能力再造
“棒棒”自身需要主动采取措施应对挑战。考虑到”棒棒”的群体分布比较不集中,可能会存在部分消费者的需求无法得到及时满足,进而失去了工作机会,因此“棒棒”群体需要扩大联系网络,借鉴一些货运平台的经验。同时,保持自身的优势,加固老顾客群体,一些顾客习惯找自己熟知“棒棒”,这也是与一些货运平台不同的一点,“棒棒”这个职业人情味更重。一些地方是单靠交通工具无法到达,例如大多数交通工具无法通过楼梯,而在重庆这座山城,阶梯更是随处可见,在这个时候,“棒棒”的优势就显露出来了。
外部融合:社会的系统性容纳
为了更好解决“棒棒”群体的困境,还需要外部力量给予他们物质和精神上的支持。政府需要制定相应的政策,确保“棒棒”这个群体的社会福利能够符合基本要求,帮助这个群体建立联系网络,引导人们正确认识这个群体。为了帮助人们对这个职业有更深的了解,而不只是靠偏见认识他们,媒体的帮助也是至关重要的,媒体需要客观地向大众介绍这个群体,在精神上支持这个群体。“棒棒”是重庆宝贵的文化符号,更代表了一代又一代勤劳坚韧的精神,需要人们对这个群体有客观正确的认识。
结语
“棒棒”是特定历史时期的产物,也是重庆独有的城市风景线。然而,随着社会发展提速与社会支持体系的不足,这一群体正陷入生存困境,逐步被新兴产业替代,规模持续萎缩。为助力其渡过难关,需从内外双向发力,对内,“棒棒”群体需主动作为,弥补自身短板、强化核心优势;对外,政府与媒体需协同发力,为其提供必要的物质保障与精神支持。作为地方文化的重要载体,凭借自身的独特价值与不可替代性,“棒棒”的精神内核不会随时代变迁而消亡,必将被永远铭记与传承。
参考文献
[1] Ge Yuzhe 葛煜喆.(2015) 地域文化在码头环境景观中的传承与表达[The Inheritance and Impression of Regional Culture in Wharf Landscape]. Chongqing: Southwest University西南大学
[2] Duan Zhendong 段振东, Jiang Luhan 蒋璐韩, Luo Xiang 罗湘雨,et al等.(2021). 重庆“棒棒”的时间空间行为分析[Analysis of Temporal and Spatial Behavior of Chongqing “Bang Bang”]. Journal of Green Science and Technology绿色科技
[3] Wang Zan 汪瓒, Wang Li n王玲, Zeng Liang 曾亮. (2015). 重庆“棒棒军”职业变化及其影响因素的初步探究[Preliminary Research on the Career Changes and Impacts of Chongqing "Bangbang"]. Journal of Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences (Social Sciences Edition) 重庆文理学院学报(社会科学版)
[4] Wang Zan 汪瓒, Wang Lin 王玲, Zeng Liang 曾亮 P127
[5] https://www.jiemian.com/article/1050310.html
[6] Duan Zhendong 段振东, Jiang Luhan 蒋璐韩, Luo Xiang 罗湘雨,et al等 P212
术语
棒棒 Bang Bang
农民工 Migrant worker
脚夫 Porter
挑夫 Carrier
野力 Informal laborer
户籍制度 Household registration system
五险一金 Five social insurance and one housing fund
问题
1. 何为“棒棒”?
2. “棒棒”这一称谓的由来是什么?
3. “棒棒”群体的产生有着怎样的时代背景?
4. “棒棒”群体的内部结构呈现出哪些特征?
5. 当下“棒棒”群体面临的现实困境有哪些?
6. “棒棒”群体日渐式微的原因是什么?
7. “棒棒”群体是否会走向彻底消失?
8. 可从哪些维度助力“棒棒”群体的转型与发展?