Identify 4 examples of how the new middle class in China performs class. Select one quote for each example (3-6 sentences long).

Performing class through dress to not be mistaken for someone of a lower class

“One woman told me that one day she was so humiliated when she went out in casual clothes with her elderly parents and ran into an acquaintance of her parents who though she was their baomu. Ever since then she has been very careful about her appearance. ‘At least I have to be above the dressing level of xiao baomu, which means I have to pick out a better quality and style of clothing to wear. Now I usually put makeup on and wear nice earrings when I go out. It is simply embarrassing to be mistaken for a baomu.’” (135)

Through advertisements targeted toward a middle class for town homes with manipulated history to generate symbolic meaning

“’In the year 2000, a brand new living space called ‘town house’ ignited the buying zeal of China’s middle class. From Beijing and Tianjin to Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, town houses have caught the eyes of all urban middle-class people and having become their top choice in reforming their lifestyles…. Town houses signify the beginning of a truly new way of life in China.’ It further claims that ‘ town houses are extremely popular in Europe and North America, and are becoming the classical form of residential space for the middle class. … They can foster unprecedented ‘community culture’ and a strong sense of belonging among a distinct group of residents.’” (130)

Through dog ownership

“Those who owned or would like to own a pet dog insisted that itwas their individual right to have a pet and that it was a purely private matter. Thus, others should not interfere with their choice and lifestyle. By contrast, those who did not own or did not want ot have a pet dog believed that their normal life was violated by pet dogs that created constant noise, messed up the environment, and sometimes even harmed pedestrians. They viewed the spread of pet dogs as a vulgar fashion and an uncivil, selfish behavior because it enhanced one’s own pleasure at the price of making others miserable. … For both proponents and opponents, individual freedom and rights of private property owners figured centrally in their arguments.” (125-126)

Through investing in their children’s future

“Most of the middle- and upper-middle income families I interviewed were willing to spend a good portion of their income on children’s extracurricular activities. They affirmed to me that this was a very important investment and would prove to be worthwhile because their kids would eventually stand out among others. Xiao Fang was a twelve-year-old girl whom I talked to several times. Her mother was a university professor and her father was a lawyer. She told me that there was a lot of pressure on her to achieve a good academic performance and in addition she had been taking private piano lessons for five years. I asked whether she enjoyed playing

piano. ‘Not really, but my Mom said that I must have some special skills,’ she replied. ‘Otherwise, I will fall behind and no one will notice me.’ Physical appearance was also an important indicator of not only beauty but also of class. Xiao Fang’s mother was concerned about her daughter’s teeth and made sure she wore braces for two years even though orthopedic work was costly. Her mother was also worried about Xiao Fang’s slightly hunched shoulders and spent ten thousand yuan on therapeutic massage for a year hoping that his would correct her posture.” (124)