The Reform and Opening up refers to the program of economic reforms called in China that were started in 1978 led by Deng Xiaoping (邓小平, Dèng Xiǎopíng) and are ongoing in the early 21st century. Economic reforms have helped lift millions of people out of poverty, bringing the poverty rate down from 53% of the population in 1981 to 8% by 2001. Living standards for everyone in China have drastically increased and life styles have greatly changed in comparison to the pre-reform era.