Exploring the power of networks and knowledge: how social capital and education drive the success of Chinese migrant workers in the labor market

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study explores the relationships between social capital, education, income, and job stability in Chinese migrant workers, an under-researched area. Our findings reveal strong positive links between social capital, formal education duration, income, and job stability for migrant workers. Importantly, we distinguish between male and female migrants, unveiling gender-specific differences in the impact of social capital and education on income and job stability. Male migrant workers benefit from both social capital and formal education, while female migrant workers primarily gain from formal education. Regarding job stability, only the formal education duration of female migrant workers demonstrates a noteworthy correlation. Additionally, our analysis examines generational disparities, showing that formal education positively affects all migrant workers, with more pronounced advantages among younger individuals. Furthermore, our study emphasizes the role of social capital in increasing income for migrant workers in the manufacturing and construction sectors, while also enhancing job stability among those in the construction and service sectors. Formal education emerges as a positive factor for both income and job stability across manufacturing, construction, and service domains among migrant workers.