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Mobilities of Older Chinese Rural-Urban Migrants: A Case Study in Beijing

Author

Listed:
  • Yang Cheng

    (Faculty of Geographical science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

  • Mark Rosenberg

    (Department of Geography and Planning, Queen’s University, Kinston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada)

  • Rachel Winterton

    (John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3689, Australia)

  • Irene Blackberry

    (John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3689, Australia)

  • Siyao Gao

    (Faculty of Geographical science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

Abstract

Along with the rapid urbanization process in Beijing, China, the number of older rural-urban migrants is increasing. This study aims to understand how Chinese rural-urban migration in older age is influenced by, and impacts on the migrants’ mobilities. This study draws on a new conceptual framework of mobile vulnerability, influenced by physical, economic, institutional, social and cultural mobility, to understand older people’ experiences of migration from rural to urban areas. Forty-five structured in-depth interviews with older rural-urban migrants aged 55 and over were undertaken in four study sites in Beijing, using the constant comparative method. Results demonstrate that rural household registration (hukou) is an important factor that restricts rural older migrants’ institutional mobility. As older migrants’ physical mobility declines, their mobile vulnerability increases. Economic mobility is the key factor that influences their intention to stay in Beijing. Older migrants also described coping strategies to improve their socio-cultural mobility post-migration. These findings will inform service planning for older rural-urban migrants aimed at maintaining their health and wellbeing.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang Cheng & Mark Rosenberg & Rachel Winterton & Irene Blackberry & Siyao Gao, 2019. "Mobilities of Older Chinese Rural-Urban Migrants: A Case Study in Beijing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:3:p:488-:d:204408
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Ye Zhu & Weiyu Cao & Xin Li & Ran Liu, 2022. "The Role of Housing Tenure Opportunities in the Social Integration of the Aging Pre-1970 Migrants in Beijing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-23, June.
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    6. Kai Tang, 2022. "The Effect of Left-Behind Women on Fertilizer Use: Evidence from China’s Rural Households Engaging in Rural-Urban Migration," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-12, December.

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