Do rural migrants 'float' in urban China? Neighbouring and neighbourhood sentiment in Beijing

摘要

Urban China reached 50% of the nation's population by 2010, mainly as a result of massive rural-urban migration. There is substantial evidence of their social marginality in terms of occupational and housing opportunities. Here we ask about their incorporation into the neighbourhoods where they live. Rural migrants are called the floating population' in China, suggesting that their residence in the city is only temporary and that they are unlikely to develop strong local ties. This study contrasts the neighbourhood socialising of migrant tenants with that of urban homeowners who were born in the city. It draws on original survey research in Beijing that included questions on relations with neighbours and neighbourhood sentiment. It is found that migrants are more likely to engage in socialising and exchange of help with neighbours, and consequently their neighbouring helps strengthen their sentiment towards the neighbourhoods where they live. It is argued that contemporary social changes - including rising education and homeownership - may actually reduce neighbouring, while rural migrants' marginality makes them more dependent on their local social network.