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Títol de la tesi: Family Migration in China: Gender Inequalities in Determinants, Labour Market Outcomes, and Household Labour

Direcció: Sergi Vidal

Tutor: Albert Esteve

Tribunal:

• President: Roberto Impicciatore (Università di Bologna, Itàlia)
• Secretari: Joaquín Recaño Valverde (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)
• Vocal: Heiko Rueger (Federal Institute for Population Research, Alemanya)
• Suplent 1: Pau Baizán Muñoz (Universitat Pompeu Fabra)
• Suplent 2: Alba Lanau (Universitat Pompeu Fabra)

Abstract

China’s rapid economic development has been supported by large numbers of people migrating within the country. While an increasing share of migration now involves couples and their children—a pattern known as family migration—research on migration in China remains largely focused on individuals. As a result, the role of couple dynamics in shaping migration decisions and post-migration outcomes has been largely overlooked, particularly in relation to gender disparities.

This research examines family migration in China through three empirical studies based on longitudinal data from the China Family Panel Studies (2010–2018). The studies explore the factors influencing family migration decisions (Study I) and their consequences for men and women in terms of labour market outcomes (Study II) and the division of household labour (Study III). A central focus is placed on how gender, family dynamics, and household registration (Hukou) policies interact to shape these processes.

Findings reveal that decision-making within couples remains asymmetrical, with migration primarily driven by the male partner’s educational attainment, while the female partner’s education has little to no influence. This pattern is especially pronounced among rural-registered households, where traditional gender norms are more rigid. Gender disparities in migration outcomes are also evident. While both men and women experience higher employment rates following migration, women’s post-migration employment reflects a growing demand for low-skilled labour rather than gender equality progress. Married women face a decline in earnings, and mothers (with coresident children) experience even greater employment and income disadvantages after migration.

Family migration also reshapes the dynamics of domestic labour. Couple migration leads to an increase in women’s housework hours, while men’s domestic workload remains unchanged.

The findings provide a deeper understanding of migration dynamics in China and underscore the structural and cultural barriers that limit women’s economic and social mobility.

Keywords: family migration, gender inequality, paid work, housework, China