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Data for Studying Earnings, the Distribution of Household Income and Poverty in China

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  • Gustafsson, Björn Anders

    () (University of Gothenburg)

  • Li, Shi

    () (Beijing Normal University)

  • Sato, Hiroshi

    () (Hitotsubashi University)

Abstract

This paper discusses data used in publishing statistics on earnings, the distribution of household income and poverty in China by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which is widely used by policy makers, international agencies and researchers. Unlike many other countries, China until recently had a dual system of household surveys - one rural and one urban. This has had consequences for providing official data on wages, income and poverty which we discuss along with other challenges. Since the end of the 1980s, researchers have been active in the construction of large databases aimed at mapping earnings, household income and poverty, and we present seven of these in the paper.

Suggested Citation

  • Gustafsson, Björn Anders & Li, Shi & Sato, Hiroshi, 2014. "Data for Studying Earnings, the Distribution of Household Income and Poverty in China," IZA Discussion Papers 8244, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp8244
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    8. Qin Gao & Sui Yang & Fuhua Zhai & Yake Wang, 2017. "Social Policy Reforms and Economic Distances in China, 2002-2013," University of Western Ontario, Centre for Human Capital and Productivity (CHCP) Working Papers 201722, University of Western Ontario, Centre for Human Capital and Productivity (CHCP).
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    19. Han, Huawei & Gao, Qin, 2019. "Community-based welfare targeting and political elite capture: Evidence from rural China," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 145-159.
    20. Lee, Jin Kook, 2017. "China's Consumer Market: Growth, Changes, and Korea's Opportunities," KDI Journal of Economic Policy, Korea Development Institute (KDI), vol. 39(3), pages 19-41.
    21. Li Du & ZhongXiang Zhang, 2018. "Measuring the Redistributive Effects of China's Personal Income Tax," Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 5(2), pages 220-234, May.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    China; data; poverty; inequality; income; earnings; National Bureau of Statistics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • P36 - Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - Consumer Economics; Health; Education and Training; Welfare, Income, Wealth, and Poverty

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