Social inequality in China during market transition: 1988--1997.

摘要

This dissertation examines social inequality in income, education and health in China during the second decade of the economic reforms that were aimed at transforming the centrally planned economy to a socialist market economy. It uses the longitudinal China Economy, Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). The study uses multiple measures to examine the distributions of per capita household income, and employs hierarchical linear models to examine the determinants of labor income in both rural and urban areas. In addition, the study uses general estimating equation (GEE) models to examine the educational opportunity structure of 16--21 years old youth from different family backgrounds, and social disparities in health status and health care access.;The findings include: (1) The Gini index of per capita household income in urban areas increased from 0.261 in 1988 to 0.313 in 1996, but it declined from 0.387 to 0.373 in rural areas. The rural-urban disparity in per capita household income substantially increased. (2) The most important determinants of labor income were social/occupational class, human capital, gender, having a second job, work unit ownership type, and residence area. The effects of occupation, gender and human capital on labor income differ in rural and urban areas. (3) A father's occupation, education, income, and residence area each had a significant impact on his or her children's chances for receiving post-compulsory education. (4) One's health and access to health care were significantly correlated with his/her age, gender, occupation, and residence areas. (5) Overall, cadres and senior professionals were in the highest, and farmers in the lowest social strata. Children of cadres and professionals also had much greater opportunity for post-compulsory education. Entrepreneurs had high income but low education, and a low rate of health insurance coverage. The SES of the urban working class was similar to their rural counterparts. The middle class, including managers, junior professionals, and office clerks, sustained their SES and their children's educational opportunities were improved greatly.;I conclude that neither the power persistence theory nor the market transition theory theoretical model adequately accounts for the changes that have resulted from the post-1978 economic reforms.