Rural to urban migration in China:
Consequences and challenges
Breakfast seminar May 19th 2011,
at Fafo
Large-scale migration from rural to urban areas is one of the most significant socio-economic phenomena in post-Mao China, attracting much attention from policy makers and academics. At this breakfast seminar, renowned Chinese experts presented their work on migrants’ experiences and discuss challenges and opportunities brought about by migration.
These challenges follow some of the same trends as experienced in Europe; a dilemma between economic growth and pressure on welfare and educational institutions. Just as national states in Europe have restrictions on migration to protect welfare and national interests, China has a resident registration system (hukou) that regulates and restricts movement. Status in this registration system regulates access to welfare and education, just as the classification of migrants in Norway (refugee/work migrant etc.) affect welfare rights in our system.
Vice Director and Professor Zhang Yi of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Institute of Sociology, presented his work on rural to urban migration and domestic demand, which is often argued to be essential for China’s continued economic growth. Mr. Zhang Yi focus on how migration works as an incentive for increased domestic demand. Professor Lian Si of University of International Business and Economics in Bejing gave a presentation on his recent book about so-called "ant tribes" – young, college educated migrants clustering together in cramped and poor conditions in China’s big cities. The topic of unemployed, frustrated youth has spurred particular interest in light of recent events in the Middle East.
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Fafo's research in China
Fafo has been conducting activities in China since 1994, and has developed significant cooperation with Chinese institutions. Its research in the country focuses on social impacts, vulnerability, coping and adaptation.  Read more
One of the projects in China is Network on employment of migrant workers in China.
This project aims to bring together Chinese and Norwegian researchers in a network on the study of employment of migrants in China.
Fafo operates a regional office in Beijing. The office is located at the premises of Fafo’s long-standing partner institution, China Academy of Science and Technology for Development (CASTED). Contact information for Fafo’s office in Beijing
Fafo's research on migration
Fafo’s expertise on the challenges - and opportunities - increased migration across national borders entails for the society and workplace, is broad. Research are made into the motivation for migration across borders, and consequences for their lives, families and the communities they leave.
Fafo's research on migration is carried out by researchers affiliated with three overlapping research fields: ethnic relations and integration, research on labour migration and mobility, and research on migration behavior.
This page contains a brief presentation of the three research fields (in Norwegian) Read more
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