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The impact of anti-corruption on migration and family welfare

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Listed:
  • Zhang, Mengyue
  • Tang, Siyan
  • Ren, Jinyang

Abstract

This study examines the impact of anti-corruption on migration patterns and family welfare. By leveraging the varying effects of China's anti-corruption campaign across counties with different pre-existing corruption levels, we apply an intensity Difference-in-Differences approach. Our findings reveal a significant decline in labor outflows attributed to the campaign, especially in rural households. The reduction in the number of migrants within a family in the most corrupt counties is about 0.4 units greater compared to the least corrupt counties post-campaign. Three mechanisms are identified through which the campaign may influence migration: increased government subsidies, enhanced satisfaction with income, and reinforced social identity. However, tangible improvements in infrastructure are minimal. Additionally, the reduction in migration correlates with fewer left-behind children, and improved health and academic outcomes. The elderly also receive increased care from their children and exhibit better health post-campaign.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Mengyue & Tang, Siyan & Ren, Jinyang, 2025. "The impact of anti-corruption on migration and family welfare," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:chieco:v:93:y:2025:i:c:s1043951x25001506
    DOI: 10.1016/j.chieco.2025.102492
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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