在一个生产力过剩的时代，为什么我们还要内卷

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "involution" in China, attributing it to the country's transformation into an "economic machine" since the reform and opening-up in 1980, driven by GDP-centric performance evaluations and competition with foreign brands [2][3]. Group 1: Economic Machine and Involution - China has become an economic machine characterized by societal mobilization for economic gain, with a focus on GDP as a performance metric for local governments [2]. - The first phase of this economic machine involved domestic brands competing against foreign brands across various industries, leading to a focus on import substitution [2]. - Post-2018, the U.S. redefined China as a strategic competitor, prompting the need for China to enhance its economic capabilities, particularly in technology and manufacturing sectors [3]. Group 2: Strategies and Outcomes - The strategy of "involution" was adopted to foster competitiveness in emerging industries like electric vehicles, renewable energy, and semiconductor manufacturing, with local governments providing support to their enterprises [3]. - This approach aims to produce a few highly competitive companies that can dominate international markets, despite the high number of failures among supported firms [3]. - The article argues that this internal competition has significantly increased efficiency, although it raises concerns about fairness and social balance [3]. Group 3: Fairness and Distribution - The government has implemented policies to ensure relative fairness, such as maintaining public ownership and monopolies in critical industries, which do not participate in involution [4]. - The distribution system in China is portrayed as more equitable than that of the U.S., with various social welfare programs aimed at improving living standards and reducing poverty [5]. - The article emphasizes that the current system, which combines state capitalism in production with socialist principles in distribution, is superior in addressing social issues compared to the U.S. model [5].