Characteristics and urbanization of agricultural migrants in the Yangtze River Delta based on new-type urbanization perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT Investigating the characteristics of the agricultural floating population stands as a fundamental prerequisite for fostering human urbanization and constitutes a pivotal aspect within the framework of people-centered New-type urbanization. Drawing upon data from the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS), this study delves into the age distribution, educational attainment, and other mobility traits of the agricultural migrant populace residing in the urban agglomeration of the Yangtze River Delta, alongside examining the patterns concerning their places of origin and settlement convergence. Furthermore, utilizing questionnaire data sourced from the CMDS, this paper proceeds to evaluate the urbanization level of the agricultural floating population. The findings of this research are threefold: Firstly, the age composition of the agricultural migrant cohort predominantly comprises youthful and middle-aged laborers, characterized by limited educational attainment and chiefly inter-provincial mobility. Secondly, within urban agglomerations, the agricultural migrant influx predominantly originates from Anhui Province, while beyond these urban centers, migrants predominantly hail from provinces noted for substantial labor outflows. Thirdly, a notable proportion, one-third to be precise, of the surveyed agricultural migrants express a willingness to settle in urban locales, thereby underscoring the imperative to enhance their integration into urban societal fabric and elevate their level of civic engagement.