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Chinese migrant workers’ integration into cities and land transfer amid urban–rural population mobility

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  • Zhu, Sha
  • Tian, Chengzhi
  • Hu, Yuanrui

Abstract

Following the economic reforms and opening up, the Chinese government has implemented policies aimed at promoting land transfer, yet the rate of rural land transfer continues to be relatively low, resulting in inefficient land use in rural regions. The movement of people from rural to urban areas is a key driver of land transfer, and the level of integration of migrant workers in urban settings is closely tied to their decisions to transfer land. We analyzed survey data from 1533 migrant worker households using a binary logistic regression model and conducted an endogeneity test with a two-stage least squares model. The findings indicate that economic, social, psychological, and identity integration, as well as overall urban integration, have a significant positive impact on the likelihood of land transfer, the involvement of non-relatives in transfers, and the length of time land is transferred.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhu, Sha & Tian, Chengzhi & Hu, Yuanrui, 2025. "Chinese migrant workers’ integration into cities and land transfer amid urban–rural population mobility," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:97:y:2025:i:c:s1059056024007767
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2024.103784
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