Informal Networks Key to Youth-led COVID-19 Response in China
During the height of the COVID-19 crisis in China, youth groups spontaneously mobilised to provide emergency assistance. They responded to medical supplies and sanitary product shortages, helped increase access to online education, and much more. In some instances youth groups were able to respond much faster or more effectively than larger organisational programmes.
Under my capacity as a co-research of the Resilient Realities research project, I have conducted a series of interviews with leaders of youth-led COVID19 response initiatives in China (including those operated with support with overseas Chinese networks). I discovered the key to youth groups spontaneity and impactfulness comes down to three crucial interconnected factors: time, social media, and transparency. These three factors were building blocks for the successful utilisation of social networks to respond to the pandemic.
Social networks, or guanxi in Chinese, are a fundamental part of Chinese culture and a cornerstone of a collectivist society. Such networks, both formal and informal, demonstrate a strong degree of trust, interpersonal and community relations. In normal times, these networks shape business deals and serve personal interests; in times of crisis, these networks can help individuals quickly mobilise towards a common goal with a high degree of efficiency, resourcefulness, and trust.
