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Online Platforms, Offline Work: E‐commerce Development and the Employment Quality of Rural Migrant Workers in China

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  • Binhui Wei
  • Chunkai Zhao
  • Mingzhong Luo

Abstract

Using data from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey, this study applied a difference‐in‐differences approach based on the quasi‐natural experiment created by the National E‐commerce Demonstration City policy to examine the impact of e‐commerce development on the employment quality of rural migrant workers in China. The results show that e‐commerce development significantly improved their employment quality, and this effect remained robust across multiple tests. Mechanism analysis indicates that e‐commerce development supported local economic development and improved human and social capital, thereby enhancing employment quality. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the positive effect was more pronounced among younger and high‐skilled rural migrant workers, further underscoring a potential digital divide. The results also show that digital financial inclusion reinforced the positive impact of e‐commerce development. These findings provide empirical evidence on the labor market effects of the digital economy in developing countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Binhui Wei & Chunkai Zhao & Mingzhong Luo, 2026. "Online Platforms, Offline Work: E‐commerce Development and the Employment Quality of Rural Migrant Workers in China," China & World Economy, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, vol. 34(3), pages 151-192, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:chinae:v:34:y:2026:i:3:p:151-192
    DOI: 10.1111/cwe.70030
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