Greetings as we roll into week 2 of March. Today we will continue the trend we began last month by deviating slightly from what we usually publish. However, as in last month, it does have deeper significance and possible ramifications for foreign businesses in China.
Let’s clarify. By and large, most European organisations in China do maintain the same standards and responsibilities to those in heir home country. Nevertheless, there are a few scoundrel here who see the lax enforcement of China’s laws and the blatant disregard of same by their competitors as an excuse and justification to follow suit.
China’s social, moral and to some extent, legal laws and rulings are based on Buddhism and the idea of filial respect. Generally favouring age and gender, specifically male gender. This has tended to tilt the balance of power away from females and the younger generation. More recently with China’s economic growth, toward rich, older males.We see this is the workforce, especially the tech sector with its infamous 9 9 6 work ethic or culture.
Meaning employees are expected to work form 9 to 9, 6 days a week for what is only just a basic salary. Often much longer in some firms with an even odd weekend regime where employees work every second weekend. In most cases, these are young people, often fresh out of school with little power of resistance but needing money to support families back home. What the military call “cannon fodder.” Recent deaths at Pinduadua has brought this into sharp public and Gvt focus.
The other area often abused is marriage where again, women are socially conditioned to suffer in silence. In the case of divorce, often it is the ex husband who has the upper hand.
Last year, China passed its new Civil Code law. A piece of legislation designed, among other things, to clarify and enforce some grey areas of law. In particular, those relating to individuals and society. It is against this backdrop, in particular marriage and divorce, today’s article is set. Although actual details are scant, we can guess, perhaps the husband was trying to use his influence, position to reduce any responsibility for his ex wife’s future.
In a nutshell, this article looks at a particular divorce case where we might guess a husband was attempting to minimise his responsibilities to his ex wife and her future support. His wife sued under the new Social Code legislation package result in the Chinese court ordering the man to pay his ex-wife $7,700 for housework in landmark divorce case.
The story in depth is covered by Nectar Gan, in this piece from CNN.
If you have questions regarding your or your companies responsibilities under the new Social Code we suggest you contact a qualified lawyer for professional advice. For other matters relating your brand or business in China, drop Everlyne a line, or WeChat her for instant engagement.
