Integration of migrant workers: Differentiation among three rural migrant enclaves in Shenzhen

Abstract

This study investigates three types of migrant enclaves in Shenzhen and focuses on social integration from the perspective of spatial differentiation. The villages are Luofang Village, a hometown-based enclave in its increasing stage; Gongle Village, a mixed, stable enclave; and Qinghu Village, an industry-dependent enclave whose scale of migrant workers has been gradually decreasing since 2008. The findings are as follows: Luofang Village has the highest social integration level, followed by Gongle Village and Qinghu Village. Luofang Village ranks first in community integration, social relations integration, and psychological integration. Gongle Village has the highest degree of economic integration, and Qinghu Village has the highest degree of cultural integration. Social integration in Luofang Village is mainly influenced by community support, community function, age, and marital status; that in Gongle Village is mainly influenced by vocational skills, marital status, and age; and that in Qinghu Village is mainly influenced by community support and length of residence in Shenzhen. This study extends the research on differentiation in relation to the social integration of migrant workers and supplements interdisciplinary discussions on social integration. The conclusions can serve as a reference for local governments with respect to the citizenization of migrant workers.