An Investigation into the Group Characteristics of Haulage Workers

It may be said that among all the casual worker groups, haulage workers are the most diverse and interesting category, and the category with the most "freedom." The haulage workers' "freedom" is relative; it is a vivid sign of their unwillingness to accept their status quo and the fact that that they cannot do otherwise. Another salient characteristic of haulage workers is that they are "scattered in form but not in spirit" (xing san shen bu san). Their work is relatively free, and their way of making a living unstable, but they maintain close connections with their fellow-townspeople and friends, possess spheres of influence, adhere to certain work principles, and have a sense of organization.