| By: |
Katrina Mullan (University of Cambridge, Department of Land Economy);
Pauline Grosjean (Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California);
Andreas Kontoleon (University of Cambridge, Department of Land Economy) |
| Abstract: |
This paper examines the impacts of the Chinese Household Responsibility
System, which governs rural land tenure, on rural-urban migration. Migration
in China has traditionally been limited by the hukou system of household
registration, under which individuals who wish to change their place of
residence must gain approval from government authorities. This system is
currently being relaxed in an attempt to reduce inequalities between rural and
urban areas. However, migration will not increase if additional constraints
remain for potential migrants. Using a model of the relationship between land
tenure arrangements and migration of household members, we examine whether
those with greater tenure security and formal rental rights for agricultural
or forest land are more likely to participate in labour markets outside the
village. The finding that greater tenure security increases migration suggests
that the current system of property rights, in which land is periodically
reallocated, acts as a constraint on migration. This strengthens the case for
further tenure reform for agricultural and forest land. |
| Keywords: |
Land tenure security; land rental rights, rural-urban migration, China |
| JEL: |
J61 O15 P32 |
| Date: |
2008 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lnd:wpaper:200837&r=cna |