Migration, Growth, and Poverty Reduction in Rural China: Retrospect and Prospects

John Giles and Ren Mu

The World Bank Research Observer, 2026, vol. 41, issue 1, 39-77

Abstract: Rural-to-urban migration is a transformative force in economic development and the unprecedented scale of China's experience offers valuable insight for other countries. We draw comparisons with international findings as we review empirical evidence on the impacts of migration on rural migrant-sending communities. We begin by examining how institutional factors, particularly household registration systems and land tenure policies, shape migration decisions. Next, the discussion turns to methodological challenges in studying migration, presents long-term trends, and reviews the impacts of migration on rural household earnings, consumption, and the risk of falling into poverty. We then explore the global phenomenon of “left behind” populations, comparing China's experience with other countries regarding the impact of migration on children's well-being, women's empowerment, and care for older people. Throughout, we highlight the way China's internal migration patterns both align with and diverge from international experiences. We conclude by identifying key research gaps.

Keywords: rural-urban migration; rural development; labor mobility; poverty alleviation; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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