Daddy’s clout is felt in school, at work, on stage

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March 22, 2014

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Daddy’s clout is felt in school, at work, on stage

By Echo Qu | March 22, 2014, Saturday |

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PIN die — or competing through daddy’s and family’s influence — is a game played around the world. There’s nothing new about using connections to get ahead, but it’s highly developed in a society where a fundamental dynamic is guanxi.

From kindergartens to high schools, when it comes to Teacher’s Day on September 10, parents, both rich and poor, do something very nice for the teacher so that he or she will give special notice to their child. It’s all about pin die.

In a competitive, test-oriented school system, it’s no longer enough to give flowers or a card to express appreciation. Though some/many teachers refuse, some welcome parents’ gifts of expensive shopping cards or even a hongbao (red envelop) containing cash.

Getting their child into a good primary school is the top concern for many young parents. Rich families will buy a flat near the desired school so that their children will have the hukou or household registration that is required. If not, daddy’s influence and guanxi matters greatly and play a key role in getting the child enrolled. Of course, money is necessary, a “sponsorship fee” is necessary.

When going to a public hospital — whether for a minor ailment or a major one — chances are you will get better treatment, a better ward or room, or be able to crash the long queues if you, or your daddy, have connections with doctors or nurses. Guanxi is especially important when surgery is needed. It’s an open secret that many patients try to find an insider who can be influence to ensure better and faster treatment.

In show business, the aspiring sons and daughters of celebrities and influential people get more attention than their less-blessed peers. They’re more likely to be invited on TV shows and be featured in tabloids.

In big enterprises, especially state-owned companies, almost everyone learns the skills of reading people and probing their background.

The most inconspicuous, self-effacing person sitting next to you might well be the daughter or son of someone important, and that work friendship might advance your career.

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Daddy’s clout is felt in school, at work, on stage

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