HUMAN CAPITAL, WELL-BEING AND GROWTH RATE OF RURAL–URBAN MIGRATION IN CHINA

Abstract

This study investigates how human capital and well-being have influenced growth rate of rural–urban migration in China. Using rural household and family member data from the China Family Panel Studies database for 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016, we find that human capital has a significant and positive impact on migrant workers’ well-being. Migrant workers’ human capital and urban well-being positively affect growth rate of rural–urban migration, in which, urban well-being is an important mediator for human capital to play an important role in growth rate of rural–urban migration. Our study indicates that the Chinese government should accelerate implementing policies that increase investment in rural public’s basic education and financial support.