The Determinants of Internal Migration in Rural China---A Study Using Longitudinal Data, 1989--2004

Zhou, Yingying. (2008). The Determinants of Internal Migration in Rural China---A Study Using Longitudinal Data, 1989--2004. Master's thesis / Doctoral dissertation, University of Washington.

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Zhou, Yingying. (2008). The Determinants of Internal Migration in Rural China---A Study Using Longitudinal Data, 1989--2004. Master's thesis / Doctoral dissertation, University of Washington.

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Abstract:

The surge of internal migration in China has been gaining growing attention from the public and the academia alike. However, numerous studies on migration determinants in China as they are, hardly any have used longitudinal data to ascertain the causal links. Additionally, most micro-level studies concentrate on the economic factors only for explaining migration determinants, that the non-economic or social dimensions of migration determinants are under-explored. This dissertation uses multilevel analysis and the longitudinal data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey to study causes of non- hukou migration (move without the change of one's household registration) out of rural China. It focuses on the consideration of family responsibilities in individual migration, and how these family responsibilities or their effects on migration vary across communities of different socioeconomic characteristics. Specifically, the study finds that controlling for other individual, household, and community level variables, rural adults with young children or elders at home are less likely to migrate. The results reveal rural adults' consideration about the general well being of their family members, particularly the vulnerable young and the elderly, that they may forgo labor migration opportunities in order to assume their family support responsibilities. Additionally, the family responsibilities are gendered, with women being more in charge of family care, while men being responsible for providing family economic support. Availability of additional laborers at home may help alleviate women's childcare responsibilities and encourage their migration. Migration is also subjected to contextual influences. The core-periphery position or the income level of a community moderates the effects of household demography and economy on individual migration. People in the cores, with more developed economy, tend to have lower economic incentives to migration and pay more attention to the support needs of family members; while the economic needs are still of focus for people in the peripheries. The study highlights the dual responsibilities for rural adults and regional disparities. It points to the importance of improving social safety net and rural economy in the process of urbanization.

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Reference Type:
THES

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Author(s):
Zhou, Yingying

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Series Author(s):
Lavely, William R.

Year Published:
2008

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0821387

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University of Washington

City of Publication:
Ann Arbor

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Reference ID:
1892

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