Beyond Human Capital: Determinants of Migrant Labor Market Outcomes in Urban China

摘要: The transformation to a socialist market economy in China has unleashed millions of migrants from the rural interior searching for better economic opportunities coastal areas over past three decades. sheer amount migrant workers tremendously altered existing social and spatial structure Chinese labor markets. Meanwhile, distributive system market-like been propelling reconfiguration urban outcomes; increasing mobility intrusive forces globalization are elevating flexibility local These drastic transformations markets demand research provide understanding how outcomes determined differentiated China. This article investigates destination based on data survey conducted Fujian 2009–2010. study characterizes identifies key determinants workers’ earnings. results indicate persistent, albeit diminishing, role institutional factors growingly significant human capital related It further reveals importance unconventional earnings such as personal motivation decision-making capacity Also, finds that male tend accumulate more than females before entering markets, reflecting societal-level discrimination against women. Within female discriminated their capital, measured conventionally or unconventionally, is not rewarded at same level counterparts. contributes debates shaped by rapid