Clustering in declining industries? The economic-social isolation and instability of migrant workers in Beijing

Abstract

The industrial restructuring in China has led to constant adjustments in employment. Migrant workers play an important role in the labor market, and the relationship between migrant employment and industrial evolution is worthy of attention. Previous studies have revealed the negative impact of industrial restructuring on the employment of migrant workers, but few studies have paid attention to the employment choice of migrant workers under the background of industrial evolution, and how these choices affect their lives. Based on data from Beijing, this study empirically finds that, compared with the control group, migrant workers are more likely to work in industries in which the proportion of value-added in GDP continues to decline. After controlling individual characteristics, the wage level, social integration, and settlement intention of migrant workers employed in declining industries are significantly lower than those in non-declining industries. This paper contributes to the literature on understanding the integration and stability of migrant workers from the perspective of industry choice. The findings provide insights for improving the employability of migrant workers and their adaptability to China's industrial restructuring as well as for promoting the process of migrant citizenization.