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Social Capital Associated with Quality of Life Mediated by Employment Experiences: Evidence from a Random Sample of Rural-to-Urban Migrants in China

Author

Listed:
  • Xinguang Chen

    (Wuhan University
    University of Florida
    Wuhan Center for Disease Prevention and Control)

  • Bin Yu

    (University of Florida)

  • Jie Gong

    (Wuhan Center for Disease Prevention and Control)

  • Peigang Wang

    (Wuhan University)

  • Amy L. Elliott

    (University of Florida)

Abstract

Working-age migrants need to possess adequate social capital in order to secure a stable and satisfactory job so that they can pursue a better quality of life (QOL). The positive relationship between social capital and vocational experiences, including successful employment, has been well established. In this study we focused on testing a multi-step mediation model linking social capital with employment experiences, and further to QOL. Survey data from rural-to-urban migrants randomly selected from Wuhan, China were analyzed. Social capital, including bonding and bridging capital, was measured using the Personal Social Capital Scale; employment experiences were measured using five job-related items; and QOL was measured using the Brief Symptoms Inventory. Structural equation modeling analysis indicated that job security and job satisfaction were positively and significantly associated with QOL, and social capital measures were significantly associated with higher QOL (primarily for males). Furthermore, job security and job satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between social capital and QOL after controlling for covariates. Findings of this study suggest the significance of social capital, job security and satisfaction in improving migrants’ QOL, implying the importance of vocational experiences in mediating the effect from social capital to QOL. If the findings can be confirmed with longitudinal data, these factors should be considered in decision making to improve rural-to-urban migrants’ QOL in China.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinguang Chen & Bin Yu & Jie Gong & Peigang Wang & Amy L. Elliott, 2018. "Social Capital Associated with Quality of Life Mediated by Employment Experiences: Evidence from a Random Sample of Rural-to-Urban Migrants in China," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 139(1), pages 327-346, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:139:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s11205-017-1617-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-017-1617-1
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    Cited by:

    1. Tien Ha Duong, My & Nguyen, Quyen Le Hoang Thuy To & Nguyen, Phong Thanh, 2022. "Measurement Quality of Life of Rural to Urban Migrants in Ho Chi Minh City by Using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model," MPRA Paper 116777, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised Oct 2022.

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