Skip to main content
Top
Published in:

18-03-2022 | Original Paper

Chasing opportunity? Inequality of opportunity and educational self-selection of interprovincial migrants in China

Authors: Jiantao Zhou, Eddie Chi-Man Hui, Huiwen Peng

Published in: The Annals of Regional Science | Issue 2/2022

Log in

Activate our intelligent search to find suitable subject content or patents.

search-config
loading …

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of two different income inequality components, inequality of opportunity (IOP) and inequality of effort (IOE), on the educational self-selection of interprovincial migrants in China. Employing 2010 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) survey data and 2015 one percent population sampling survey data, our empirical results verify that lower levels of income inequality and two components, IOP and IOE, in destination increase migration incentives more for low-educated migrants, which largely explains the higher migration probabilities of lower-educated ones from inland to coastal provinces during 2011–2015. Further results demonstrate that young migrants who migrate to coastal regions pay more attention to the IOP than other migrant groups.

Dont have a licence yet? Then find out more about our products and how to get one now:

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 102.000 Bücher
  • über 537 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Automobil + Motoren
  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
  • Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Führung
  • Marketing + Vertrieb
  • Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe
  • Versicherung + Risiko

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Springer Professional "Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 67.000 Bücher
  • über 390 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Automobil + Motoren
  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
  • Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
  • Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe




 

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Footnotes
1
The China’s hukou system is a household-based population management system which divided all population into agricultural and non-agricultural categories since 1958. At first, it strictly restricted the free movement of population between locations. After 1980s, the free movement of population is loosened, but social amenities are still deeply tied with their hukou locations. In 2014, the promulgation of “Opinions on further promoting the reform of the household registration system” further promoted the reform of this system (see official document for more details, http://​www.​gov.​cn/​zhengce/​content/​2014-07/​30/​content_​8944.​htm).
 
2
All provinces are divided into seven regions, including the North China region (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia), Northeast region (Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang), East China region (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangxi, Shandong), Central China region (Henan, Hubei, Hunan), South China region (Guangdong, Guangxi), Southwest region (Chongqing, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan), and Northwest region (Gansu).
 
Literature
go back to reference Abramitzky R (2009) The effect of redistribution on migration: evidence from the Israeli kibbutz. J Public Econ 93(3–4):498–511CrossRef Abramitzky R (2009) The effect of redistribution on migration: evidence from the Israeli kibbutz. J Public Econ 93(3–4):498–511CrossRef
go back to reference Arrow K, Bowles S, Durlauf SN (2018) Meritocracy and economic inequality. Princeton University Press, PrincetonCrossRef Arrow K, Bowles S, Durlauf SN (2018) Meritocracy and economic inequality. Princeton University Press, PrincetonCrossRef
go back to reference Bacolod M, De la Roca J, Ferreyra MM (2021) In search of better opportunities: sorting and agglomeration effects among young college graduates in Colombia. Reg Sci Urban Econ 87:103656CrossRef Bacolod M, De la Roca J, Ferreyra MM (2021) In search of better opportunities: sorting and agglomeration effects among young college graduates in Colombia. Reg Sci Urban Econ 87:103656CrossRef
go back to reference Barber PG (2000) Agency in Philippine women’s labour migration and provisional diaspora. Women’s Stud Int Forum 23(4):399–411CrossRef Barber PG (2000) Agency in Philippine women’s labour migration and provisional diaspora. Women’s Stud Int Forum 23(4):399–411CrossRef
go back to reference Belot MV, Hatton TJ (2012) Immigrant selection in the OECD. Scand J Econ 114(4):1105–1128CrossRef Belot MV, Hatton TJ (2012) Immigrant selection in the OECD. Scand J Econ 114(4):1105–1128CrossRef
go back to reference Björklund A, Roine J, Waldenström D (2012) Intergenerational top income mobility in Sweden: capitalist dynasties in the land of equal opportunity? J Public Econ 96(5–6):474–484CrossRef Björklund A, Roine J, Waldenström D (2012) Intergenerational top income mobility in Sweden: capitalist dynasties in the land of equal opportunity? J Public Econ 96(5–6):474–484CrossRef
go back to reference Blume LE, Durlauf SN (2001) The interactions-based approach to socioeconomic behavior. In: Durlauf SN, Young HP (eds) Social dynamics. MIT Press, Boston, pp 15–44 Blume LE, Durlauf SN (2001) The interactions-based approach to socioeconomic behavior. In: Durlauf SN, Young HP (eds) Social dynamics. MIT Press, Boston, pp 15–44
go back to reference Bobbitt-Zeher D (2007) The gender income gap and the role of education. Sociol Educ 80(1):1–22CrossRef Bobbitt-Zeher D (2007) The gender income gap and the role of education. Sociol Educ 80(1):1–22CrossRef
go back to reference Borjas GJ, Kauppinen I, Poutvaara P (2019) Self-selection of emigrants: theory and evidence on stochastic dominance in observable and unobservable characteristics. Econ J 129(617):143–171CrossRef Borjas GJ, Kauppinen I, Poutvaara P (2019) Self-selection of emigrants: theory and evidence on stochastic dominance in observable and unobservable characteristics. Econ J 129(617):143–171CrossRef
go back to reference Borjas GJ (1987) Self-selection and the earnings of immigrants. Am Econ Rev 77(4):531–553 Borjas GJ (1987) Self-selection and the earnings of immigrants. Am Econ Rev 77(4):531–553
go back to reference Bourguignon F, Ferreira FH, Menéndez M (2007) Inequality of opportunity in Brazil. Rev Income Wealth 53(4):585–618CrossRef Bourguignon F, Ferreira FH, Menéndez M (2007) Inequality of opportunity in Brazil. Rev Income Wealth 53(4):585–618CrossRef
go back to reference Cai F, Du Y, Wang M (2001) Household registration system and labor market protection. Econ Res J 12:41–49 Cai F, Du Y, Wang M (2001) Household registration system and labor market protection. Econ Res J 12:41–49
go back to reference Checchi D, Peragine V (2010) Inequality of opportunity in Italy. J Econ Inequal 8(4):429–450CrossRef Checchi D, Peragine V (2010) Inequality of opportunity in Italy. J Econ Inequal 8(4):429–450CrossRef
go back to reference Chiquiar D, Hanson GH (2005) International migration, self-selection, and the distribution of wages: evidence from Mexico and the United States. J Polit Econ 113(2):239–281CrossRef Chiquiar D, Hanson GH (2005) International migration, self-selection, and the distribution of wages: evidence from Mexico and the United States. J Polit Econ 113(2):239–281CrossRef
go back to reference Chiu WH (1998) Income inequality, human capital accumulation and economic performance. Econ J 108(446):44–59CrossRef Chiu WH (1998) Income inequality, human capital accumulation and economic performance. Econ J 108(446):44–59CrossRef
go back to reference Dardanoni V, Fields GS, Roemer JE, Sanchez Puerta ML (2006) How demanding should equality of opportunity be, and how much have we achieved? In: Morgan S, Grusky D, Fields GS (eds) Mobility and inequality: frontiers of research from sociology and economics. Stanford University Press, Palo Alto, CA Dardanoni V, Fields GS, Roemer JE, Sanchez Puerta ML (2006) How demanding should equality of opportunity be, and how much have we achieved? In: Morgan S, Grusky D, Fields GS (eds) Mobility and inequality: frontiers of research from sociology and economics. Stanford University Press, Palo Alto, CA
go back to reference De la Roca J (2017) Selection in initial and return migration: evidence from moves across Spanish cities. J Urban Econ 100:33–53CrossRef De la Roca J (2017) Selection in initial and return migration: evidence from moves across Spanish cities. J Urban Econ 100:33–53CrossRef
go back to reference Durand J, Massey DS (1992) Mexican migration to the United States: a critical review. Lat Am Res Rev 27(2):3–42 Durand J, Massey DS (1992) Mexican migration to the United States: a critical review. Lat Am Res Rev 27(2):3–42
go back to reference Fan Y, Yi J, Zhang J (2021) Rising intergenerational income persistence in China. Am Econ J Econ Pol 13(1):202–230CrossRef Fan Y, Yi J, Zhang J (2021) Rising intergenerational income persistence in China. Am Econ J Econ Pol 13(1):202–230CrossRef
go back to reference Ferreira FH, Gignoux J (2011) The measurement of inequality of opportunity: theory and an application to Latin America. Rev Income Wealth 4(57):622–657CrossRef Ferreira FH, Gignoux J (2011) The measurement of inequality of opportunity: theory and an application to Latin America. Rev Income Wealth 4(57):622–657CrossRef
go back to reference Galor O, Zeira J (1993) Income distribution and macroeconomics. Rev Econ Stud 60(1):35–52CrossRef Galor O, Zeira J (1993) Income distribution and macroeconomics. Rev Econ Stud 60(1):35–52CrossRef
go back to reference Gamboa LF, Waltenberg FD (2012) Inequality of opportunity for educational achievement in Latin America: evidence from PISA 2006–2009. Econ Educ Rev 31(5):694–708CrossRef Gamboa LF, Waltenberg FD (2012) Inequality of opportunity for educational achievement in Latin America: evidence from PISA 2006–2009. Econ Educ Rev 31(5):694–708CrossRef
go back to reference Golley J, Kong ST (2013) Inequality in intergenerational mobility of education in China. Chin World Econ 21(2):15–37CrossRef Golley J, Kong ST (2013) Inequality in intergenerational mobility of education in China. Chin World Econ 21(2):15–37CrossRef
go back to reference Gould ED, Moav O (2016) Does high inequality attract high skilled immigrants? Econ J 126(593):1055–1091CrossRef Gould ED, Moav O (2016) Does high inequality attract high skilled immigrants? Econ J 126(593):1055–1091CrossRef
go back to reference Grogger J, Hanson GH (2011) Income maximization and the selection and sorting of international migrants. J Dev Econ 95(1):42–57CrossRef Grogger J, Hanson GH (2011) Income maximization and the selection and sorting of international migrants. J Dev Econ 95(1):42–57CrossRef
go back to reference Hui ECM, Yu KH, Ye Y (2014) Housing preferences of temporary migrants in urban China in the wake of gradual Hukou reform: a case study of Shenzhen. Int J Urban Reg Res 38(4):1384–1398CrossRef Hui ECM, Yu KH, Ye Y (2014) Housing preferences of temporary migrants in urban China in the wake of gradual Hukou reform: a case study of Shenzhen. Int J Urban Reg Res 38(4):1384–1398CrossRef
go back to reference Jacobs JA (1996) Gender inequality and higher education. Ann Rev Sociol 22(1):153–185CrossRef Jacobs JA (1996) Gender inequality and higher education. Ann Rev Sociol 22(1):153–185CrossRef
go back to reference Juárez FWC, Soloaga I (2014) iop: Estimating ex-ante inequality of opportunity. Stand Genom Sci 14(4):830–846 Juárez FWC, Soloaga I (2014) iop: Estimating ex-ante inequality of opportunity. Stand Genom Sci 14(4):830–846
go back to reference Kennan J, Walker JR (2011) The effect of expected income on individual migration decisions. Econometrica 79(1):211–251CrossRef Kennan J, Walker JR (2011) The effect of expected income on individual migration decisions. Econometrica 79(1):211–251CrossRef
go back to reference Kinnan C, Wang SY, Wang Y (2018) Access to migration for rural households. Am Econ J Appl Econ 10(4):79–119CrossRef Kinnan C, Wang SY, Wang Y (2018) Access to migration for rural households. Am Econ J Appl Econ 10(4):79–119CrossRef
go back to reference Lang K, Spitzer AK (2020) Race discrimination: an economic perspective. J Econ Perspect 34(2):68–89CrossRef Lang K, Spitzer AK (2020) Race discrimination: an economic perspective. J Econ Perspect 34(2):68–89CrossRef
go back to reference Lefranc A, Pistolesi N, Trannoy A (2008) Inequality of opportunities vs. inequality of outcomes: are Western societies all alike? Rev Income wealth 54(4):513–546CrossRef Lefranc A, Pistolesi N, Trannoy A (2008) Inequality of opportunities vs. inequality of outcomes: are Western societies all alike? Rev Income wealth 54(4):513–546CrossRef
go back to reference Loury G (1989) Why should we care about group inequality? In: Shulman S, Darity Jr W(eds) The question of discrimination: racial inequality in the US labor market. Wesleyan UniversityPress, Middletown, CT, pp 268–290 Loury G (1989) Why should we care about group inequality? In: Shulman S, Darity Jr W(eds) The question of discrimination: racial inequality in the US labor market. Wesleyan UniversityPress, Middletown, CT, pp 268–290
go back to reference Lu Y (2012) Education of children left behind in rural China. J Marriage Fam 74(2):328–341CrossRef Lu Y (2012) Education of children left behind in rural China. J Marriage Fam 74(2):328–341CrossRef
go back to reference Lucas RE Jr (1988) On the mechanics of economic development. J Monet Econ 22(1):3–42CrossRef Lucas RE Jr (1988) On the mechanics of economic development. J Monet Econ 22(1):3–42CrossRef
go back to reference Marrero GA, Rodríguez JG (2013) Inequality of opportunity and growth. J Dev Econ 104:107–122CrossRef Marrero GA, Rodríguez JG (2013) Inequality of opportunity and growth. J Dev Econ 104:107–122CrossRef
go back to reference Martin S (2007) Women, migration and development. Transatlantic perspectives on migration policy brief 1, Institute for the Study of International Migration, Georgetown University, Washington, DC Martin S (2007) Women, migration and development. Transatlantic perspectives on migration policy brief 1, Institute for the Study of International Migration, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
go back to reference McFadden D (1974) The measurement of urban travel demand. J Public Econ 3(4):303–328CrossRef McFadden D (1974) The measurement of urban travel demand. J Public Econ 3(4):303–328CrossRef
go back to reference McKenzie D, Rapoport H (2010) Self-selection patterns in Mexico–US migration: the role of migration networks. Rev Econ Stat 92(4):811–821CrossRef McKenzie D, Rapoport H (2010) Self-selection patterns in Mexico–US migration: the role of migration networks. Rev Econ Stat 92(4):811–821CrossRef
go back to reference Mejía D, St-Pierre M (2008) Unequal opportunities and human capital formation. J Dev Econ 86(2):395–413CrossRef Mejía D, St-Pierre M (2008) Unequal opportunities and human capital formation. J Dev Econ 86(2):395–413CrossRef
go back to reference Ortega F, Peri G (2013) The effect of income and immigration policies on international migration. Migr Stud 1(1):47–74CrossRef Ortega F, Peri G (2013) The effect of income and immigration policies on international migration. Migr Stud 1(1):47–74CrossRef
go back to reference Palomino JC, Marrero GA, Rodríguez JG (2019) Channels of inequality of opportunity: the role of education and occupation in Europe. Soc Indic Res 143(3):1045–1074CrossRef Palomino JC, Marrero GA, Rodríguez JG (2019) Channels of inequality of opportunity: the role of education and occupation in Europe. Soc Indic Res 143(3):1045–1074CrossRef
go back to reference Plane DA (1993) Demographic influences on migration. Reg Stud 27(4):375–383CrossRef Plane DA (1993) Demographic influences on migration. Reg Stud 27(4):375–383CrossRef
go back to reference Roemer J (1998) Equality of opportunity. Published by Harvard University Press, CambridgeCrossRef Roemer J (1998) Equality of opportunity. Published by Harvard University Press, CambridgeCrossRef
go back to reference Roy AD (1951) Some thoughts on the distribution of earnings. Oxf Econ Pap 3(2):135–146CrossRef Roy AD (1951) Some thoughts on the distribution of earnings. Oxf Econ Pap 3(2):135–146CrossRef
go back to reference Sen A (1985) Commodities and capabilities. Published by North-Holland, Amsterdam Sen A (1985) Commodities and capabilities. Published by North-Holland, Amsterdam
go back to reference Shen J, Liu Y (2016) Skilled and less-skilled interregional migration in China: a comparative analysis of spatial patterns and the decision to migrate in 2000–2005. Habitat Int 57:1–10CrossRef Shen J, Liu Y (2016) Skilled and less-skilled interregional migration in China: a comparative analysis of spatial patterns and the decision to migrate in 2000–2005. Habitat Int 57:1–10CrossRef
go back to reference Sieg H, Yoon C, Zhang J (2020) The impact of migration controls on urban fiscal policies and the intergenerational transmission of human capital in China (no. w27764). National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge Sieg H, Yoon C, Zhang J (2020) The impact of migration controls on urban fiscal policies and the intergenerational transmission of human capital in China (no. w27764). National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge
go back to reference Sjaastad LA (1962) The costs and returns of human migration. J Polit Econ 70(5, Part 2):80–93CrossRef Sjaastad LA (1962) The costs and returns of human migration. J Polit Econ 70(5, Part 2):80–93CrossRef
go back to reference Song Y, Zhou G (2019) Inequality of opportunity and household education expenditures: evidence from panel data in China. China Econ Rev 55:85–98CrossRef Song Y, Zhou G (2019) Inequality of opportunity and household education expenditures: evidence from panel data in China. China Econ Rev 55:85–98CrossRef
go back to reference Song Y, Wu W, Zhou G (2020) Inequality of opportunity and household risky asset investment: evidence from panel data in China. China Econ Rev 63:101513CrossRef Song Y, Wu W, Zhou G (2020) Inequality of opportunity and household risky asset investment: evidence from panel data in China. China Econ Rev 63:101513CrossRef
go back to reference Tao L, Hui EC, Wong FK, Chen T (2015) Housing choices of migrant workers in China: beyond the Hukou perspective. Habitat Int 49:474–483CrossRef Tao L, Hui EC, Wong FK, Chen T (2015) Housing choices of migrant workers in China: beyond the Hukou perspective. Habitat Int 49:474–483CrossRef
go back to reference Torche F (2015) Intergenerational mobility and equality of opportunity. Eur J Sociol 56(3):343–371CrossRef Torche F (2015) Intergenerational mobility and equality of opportunity. Eur J Sociol 56(3):343–371CrossRef
go back to reference Van de gaer D (1993) Equality of opportunity and investment in human capital. Leuven University PhD Dissertation Van de gaer D (1993) Equality of opportunity and investment in human capital. Leuven University PhD Dissertation
go back to reference Ward Z (2020) Internal migration, education, and intergenerational mobility: evidence from American history. J Hum Resour 0619-10265R2 Ward Z (2020) Internal migration, education, and intergenerational mobility: evidence from American history. J Hum Resour 0619-10265R2
go back to reference Xie Y, Hu J (2014) An introduction to the China family panel studies (CFPS). Chin Sociol Rev 47(1):3–29 Xie Y, Hu J (2014) An introduction to the China family panel studies (CFPS). Chin Sociol Rev 47(1):3–29
go back to reference Xing C (2014) Migration, self-selection and income distributions: evidence from rural and urban China. Econ Transit 22(3):539–576CrossRef Xing C (2014) Migration, self-selection and income distributions: evidence from rural and urban China. Econ Transit 22(3):539–576CrossRef
go back to reference Zhang J, Wang R, Lu C (2019) A quantitative analysis of Hukou reform in Chinese cities: 2000–2016. Growth Change 50(1):201–221CrossRef Zhang J, Wang R, Lu C (2019) A quantitative analysis of Hukou reform in Chinese cities: 2000–2016. Growth Change 50(1):201–221CrossRef
go back to reference Zhou J, Hui ECM (2021). The hukou system and selective internal migration in China. Pap Reg Sci 1–22 Zhou J, Hui ECM (2021). The hukou system and selective internal migration in China. Pap Reg Sci 1–22
go back to reference Zhou J, Hui ECM (2022) Housing prices, migration, and self-selection of migrants in China. Habitat Int 119:102479CrossRef Zhou J, Hui ECM (2022) Housing prices, migration, and self-selection of migrants in China. Habitat Int 119:102479CrossRef
go back to reference Zhu N (2002) The impacts of income gaps on migration decisions in China. China Econ Rev 13(2–3):213–230CrossRef Zhu N (2002) The impacts of income gaps on migration decisions in China. China Econ Rev 13(2–3):213–230CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Chasing opportunity? Inequality of opportunity and educational self-selection of interprovincial migrants in China
Authors
Jiantao Zhou
Eddie Chi-Man Hui
Huiwen Peng
Publication date
18-03-2022
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
The Annals of Regional Science / Issue 2/2022
Print ISSN: 0570-1864
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0592
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00168-022-01123-z