1. A system of labor camps and prisons in China used for punishment and political re-education, particularly during the Communist era.
Usage: Chinese term; often used in historical and political contexts; Refers to the 'reform through labor' system

Examples

• The laogai system was used to detain political prisoners and dissidents.
• Many intellectuals were sent to laogai camps during the Cultural Revolution.
• Human rights organizations have documented abuses within the laogai system.
• The term laogai literally means 'reform through labor' in Chinese.
• Survivors of the laogai have written memoirs describing their experiences.