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‘Anyway, you are an outsider’: Temporary migrants in urban China

Author

Listed:
  • Huimin Du

    (Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong)

  • Si-ming Li

    (Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong)

  • Pu Hao

    (Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong)

Abstract

In this paper, we extend recent discussions on the relationship with the host place of ‘temporary’ or non- hukou migrants in major Chinese cities through the lens of three psychological processes: familiarity, attachment and identity. The empirical analysis is based on fieldwork conducted in selected villages-in-the-city in Guangzhou. A mixed methods approach is employed. The findings highlight the emotional distance between temporary migrants and their urban milieu: while some become familiar with the city through their prolonged stay, very few establish attachment and identity. The analysis shows that the dominance of indigenous villagers is a major obstacle for migrants to develop attachment to the given village-in-the-city; moreover, perceived institutional discriminations negatively affect migrants’ attachment to the city. The findings also corroborate a social constructionist perception of place identity: when place identity is legitimated and reproduced by the hukou system, it is difficult for migrants to challenge the hegemonic constructions of place and identity and to create their own narratives of identities.

Suggested Citation

  • Huimin Du & Si-ming Li & Pu Hao, 2018. "‘Anyway, you are an outsider’: Temporary migrants in urban China," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 55(14), pages 3185-3201, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:55:y:2018:i:14:p:3185-3201
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098017691464
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fulong Wu & John Logan, 2016. "Do rural migrants ‘float’ in urban China? Neighbouring and neighbourhood sentiment in Beijing," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 53(14), pages 2973-2990, November.
    2. Kam Wing Chan, 2010. "The Global Financial Crisis and Migrant Workers in China: ‘There is No Future as a Labourer; Returning to the Village has No Meaning’," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(3), pages 659-677, September.
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