During a recent visit to Taipei, my young tour guide, Amy, shed light on the many challenges faced by young people in Taiwan and across Asia. Her valuable insights highlighted the economic gap and social pressures facing her generation, particularly in areas such as securing stable employment and home ownership. She shared two key cultural terms that resonate deeply with youth today: “躺平” (tǎng píng) and “啃老族” (kěn lǎo zú). Each captures a distinct response to the structural obstacles hindering economic independence and well-being.

The term “躺平” or "lying flat," has gained increasing attention in recent years, as it has become a growing sentiment among young people in China and Taiwan. Rooted in a form of passive resistance, lying flat represents a conscious choice to step away from societal expectations that, for many, have become unattainable. Rather than pursuing conventional markers of success such as high-paying careers, home ownership, or family........

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