This article examines the social mobility strategies of the Chinese "outsider" middle class, a growing segment of society that faces specific challenges in accessing economic opportunities. Through an exploration of market forces and institutional barriers, we analyze how this group navigates the complex socio-economic landscape to achieve upward mobility. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative data from surveys and qualitative interviews, to highlight the importance of market-driven mechanisms and institutional support in shaping the social mobility of this demographic. Findings suggest that while market forces, such as entrepreneurship and the gig economy, provide opportunities for upward mobility, institutional factors—particularly policies related to education, housing, and urban migration—play a significant role in either facilitating or hindering social advancement. This article provides insights into the evolving nature of the Chinese middle class and the ways in which its members strategically navigate the social and economic terrain.

Social mobility, Chinese middle class, outsider status

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