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For Money or for a Life: A Mixed-Method Study on Migration and Time Use in China

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  • Zheng Mu

    (National University of Singapore)

  • Wei-Jun Jean Yeung

    (National University of Singapore)

Abstract

This is the first study that empirically examines how migration influences migrants’ time use patterns in China, utilizing a mixed-method approach. We systematically estimate the migration effects on weekly hours on working, leisure, personal care and domestic responsibilities, based on data from the nationally representative 2010 Chinese Family Panel Studies. We then supplement these analyses with in-depth interviews conducted in Beijing to further understand the underlying mechanisms. Compared with urban locals, rural-to-urban migrants have longer work hours and less leisure time. The largest differences are found among men. On average, migrant men work 5 h longer and have 7 fewer hours of leisure per week than urban local men. These differences are moderated by migrants’ and their parents’ socioeconomic status, and their family responsibilities. The in-depth interviews reveal that the busier work schedules are largely motivated by the transient nature of most rural-to-urban migration and the overwhelming economic pressures for household establishment and career development.

Suggested Citation

  • Zheng Mu & Wei-Jun Jean Yeung, 2018. "For Money or for a Life: A Mixed-Method Study on Migration and Time Use in China," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 139(1), pages 347-379, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:139:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s11205-017-1698-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-017-1698-x
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    4. Zidan Mao & Fangyu Liu & Ying Zhao, 2023. "Happy city for everyone: Generational differences in rural migrant workers’ leisure in urban China," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 60(16), pages 3252-3271, December.

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