Rural–Urban Migration and Sustainable Integration in China: Institutional Barriers and Pathways toward Inclusive Urban Citizenship

Abstract

Abstract China has experienced one of the largest internal migration processes in modern history, driven by rapid industrialization, economic restructuring, and urban expansion since the late 1970s. Rural-to-urban migration has significantly contributed to China’s economic transformation by providing labour for manufacturing, construction, and service sectors. However, economic participation has not automatically translated into equal social integration for rural migrants. Many migrants continue to experience institutional exclusion, unequal access to public services, precarious employment conditions, housing insecurity, healthcare barriers, and educational disadvantages for their children. This commentary critically examines the structural challenges affecting rural–urban migrant integration in China and discusses pathways toward inclusive urban development. Drawing upon a critical synthesis of existing academic literature, policy documents, and migration scholarship, the article analyses five interconnected dimensions of migrant exclusion: the hukou household registration system, employment inequality, housing and social integration, healthcare accessibility, and education for migrant children. The discussion demonstrates that China’s migration challenge is not merely a consequence of population movement but reflects deeper institutional arrangements that allow migrants to participate economically while limiting their access to full urban citizenship. The article argues that sustainable integration requires a shift from economic-centred urbanization toward inclusive urban citizenship through institutional reform, strengthened social protection, improved employment opportunities, skills development, and equitable access to education and healthcare. China’s experience provides important lessons for other developing countries facing similar challenges associated with rapid urbanization and internal migration.