Cities can do more to assimilate newcomers

A woman reads profiles of single men at a match-making event in Liaocheng, Shandong province, Aug 11, 2013. [Photo by Kong Xiaozheng/Asianewsphoto]

IN THE EYES OF MANY, the phenomenon of "leftover youngsters" is not new as generations of ambitious young adults from rural areas have chosen to explore the life-changing opportunities offered by cities, and, unavoidably, some struggle on their own before finally settling down. Beijing Youth Daily commented on Monday:

So is the social isolation of these so-called leftover youths overstated? Yes and no. These urban newcomers are being noticed more as a group because their ways of living are often coupled with isolation and financial hardships, according to a survey conducted by China Youth Daily.

Their reliance on social media and the soaring cost of living an urban life, particularly the rocketing property prices, may have contributed to their reluctance to interact with people in real life. On the other hand, most of these young adults aspire to work and settle in metropolises in the pursuit of a better life, despite the challenges.

These "leftover youngsters" deserve respect for their determination to achieve greater success. Their very existence not only indicates that there is still room for unprivileged yet diligent young men and women to make a difference, but also makes it possible for cities to prosper in the long run.

Thus in return, urban governments need to offer care and assistance to the young newcomers, instead of taking them for granted. The net influx of young talents is expected to serve as a key, possibly the most important indicator of urban vitality, and most cities are trying to provide services for them.

Yet giving them hope is certainly not enough to help them stay permanently, especially against the backdrop of the rising cost of living in urban areas. It cannot be ignored that a host of young non-locals, although choosing to stay in cities, are struggling to make a living and have a lot to say about their compromised welfare as non-permanent residents. Their voice must be heard and their problems properly addressed.