A Framework for Analyzing the Family Urbanization of China from a “Culture–Institution” Perspective

There is a growing number of studies on the phenomenon of urbanization and family migration in China, but there is a lack of corresponding underlying logical constructs to explain the underlying patterns of the phenomenon. Based on the development of Western urbanization theories, it is proposed that the traditional urbanization theories, which are purely based on economic dynamics, are insufficient to explain the characteristic patterns of Chinese household urbanization, and traditional urbanization theories usually ignore the role of Chinese family-oriented cultural concepts. Through a theoretical review and a summary of the characteristics of the phenomenon, we propose an analytical framework based on “culture–institution”, in which the cultural and ethical concepts represented by family orientation and intergenerational upbringing are the ideological basis of family urbanization. In this process, China’s household registration system and land system have resulted in the coexistence of multiple stages of urbanization, such as moving to the city, moving to the city in stages, and moving back to the city. The purposes of this study are to explain the phenomenon of Chinese family urbanization by constructing a “culture–institution” framework and to expand the relevant content of China’s theoretical urbanization system. A deep understanding of family urbanization with Chinese characteristics is important for the steady promotion of new urbanization in the new era.