Equity in policy: an updated account of points systems for hukou conversion in Chinese megacities

Abstract

ABSTRACT Although the points systems for hukou conversion in Chinese megacities have been discussed in detail, the issue of policy equity has received scant attention. Drawing on policy documents and on interviews with urban-to-urban migrants in Beijing and Shenzhen, this article examines the issue of equity in the current points systems. Our analysis is based on three features of policy equity: policy declarations of equity, equity in conditions of hierarchy, and lack of transparency. The difference in perceptions of equity between the migrants in Beijing and those in Shenzhen, and their implications in terms of policy implementation were also analysed. Shenzhen’s points system was perceived as more equitable than that of Beijing’s. We found inequities arose from variations in the policy design between different levels of government and in the policy implementation between cities. To promote consolidation of policy equity, we need to create a governance model that will not only encourage local authorities to promote equity in their policy-making but also ensure effective oversight of the implementation of the resulting practice.