fluence. Traditionally, a compound would house an extended family incorporating several generations and in-laws. Now, as young people become wealthier, they are striking out on their own. China already has built out, as cities have consumed outlying areas, and built up, as skyscrapers dominate many urban areas. China faced a housing crunch even if its family structure remained unaltered, but the combination of ChinaÆs growing population and the changes in the family dynamic could put the country in quite a bind.
Another consequence of ChinaÆs emerging economy is its impact on education. In rural areas, education has traditionally been spotty at best, especially for girls. According to the 1982 census, nearly three-quarters of ChinaÆs peasants had not progressed beyond primary school, and 43 percent of Communist Party bureaucrats and cadres had only completed middle school. ChinaÆs economy, however, needs educated workers to continue its growth, to progress from a low-wage manufacturing base to more value-added product
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