Analysis of Career Advancement and Social Mobility of Workers in the Freshwater Pearl Industry

Using a combination of questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews, the author did substantial research on the career promotion and social mobility of the fresh water pearl industry workers in his home town Zhu Ji City, Zhejiang Province, the largest fresh water pearl production and sales area in the world. According to the data analysis of 86 questionnaire feedback and 14 face-to-face in-depth interviews with pearl workers, the career promotion and social mobility of the current pearl workers are greatly affected by age, education level, hukou (house hold registration place) and other factors. And the main obstacles to their promotion and upward mobility are insufficient efforts, work skills and expertise, and management experiences. It is recommended to provide practical policies and initiatives such as strengthening management skills training, providing financial and legal support for workers through the joint efforts of the government, society and individuals. In addition, offering more equal opportunities for education and cross-regional opportunities facilitate upward social mobility for pearl workers and their next generation.