Highly educated people in China who take on manual work often attract controversy because they are traditionally expected to pursue high-end professions.
A new twist was added to the debate when on July 17 a viral video emerged of a group of PhD students from Sun Yat-sen University in Guangdong province, southern China, selling grilled sausages on the street.
The nine-member sausage-selling team includes PhD and graduate students majoring in philosophy.
After finishing a day of research work, they take turns selling their wares on streets near the campus at night.
They set up a gas canister and sausage grill on a modified electric motorbike, with a sign that reads: “Welcome to buy delicious sausages and engage in philosophical academic exchanges with us.”
Ziheng, a 28-year-old philosophy PhD student, initiated the sausage side business.
He told Yangtse Evening Post: “We are all engaged in philosophical research and hope to use sausages as a medium to have intellectual exchanges with customers, and become good friends with them.”
The high-achieving students aim to turn their sausage-selling gig into a Socratic-style street dialogue, encouraging casual and flexible discussions on interesting philosophical topics.
For every sausage sold, they will answer a customer’s philosophical question, discuss social issues, academic theories or simply share personal anecdotes.
Pangda, one of the team members, is a philosophy graduate. He is working to tutor students preparing for their graduate entrance exam.
He said the members are all busy writing papers and teaching during the day, engaging in mental labour. Selling sausages after work offers them a chance for physical activity and helps relieve academic anxiety.
“For students who are usually confined to their studies on campus, selling sausages on the street allows us to meet a variety of people, serving as a unique way to connect with society,” he said.
Pangda also said he has grown to love selling sausages and wants to continue doing it.
“High income does not necessarily bring happiness. Young people should have passion. Even small tasks can bring great joy.”
The sausages cost between three and five yuan (70 US cents) for two. Ziheng said they earn 100 to 200 yuan (US$28) a day, working from 10pm to midnight.
The group’s story has attracted widespread attention online.
“This group of students deserves praise for their courage! They are willing to humble themselves and experience another side of life,” one person said on Weibo.
Others took a different view, with one saying: “This is a waste of educational resources. They could have used their time to make a more meaningful contribution to society.”
