The Rural-Urban Divide: Economic Disparities and Interactions in China (Studies on Contemporary China)

John Knight; Lisa Song; Lina Song

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198293305 ISBN 13: 9780198293309

Publisher: OUP Oxford, 1999

This book describes and explains the remarkably large rural-urban divide in economic well-being that exists in China. How did it come about? How is it maintained, in the face of equilibrating market forces? What are the implications for future efficiency and equity in the Chinese economy?

The book is divided into five parts: Part 1 introduces the context and scope of the study; Parts 2 and 3 measure and explain the rural-urban divide in income, education, health, and housing, both historically and by means of a household survey; Part 4 analyses the intersectoral movement of factors, both capital flows and the migration of labour; Part 5 ties together the arguments of the work and sets the Chinese experience in the broader context of transition and development economics.

The book uses the rigorous analysis and empirical methodology of modern economics. It is primarily aimed at a broad readership of development and transition economists, but China specialists will find much that is of interest.

Review:

invaluable insights into key areas of development (The Royal Society for Asian Affairs)

This study must be the most comprehensive analysis ever written on the sources and scope of China's urban-rural gap. (David Zweig, The Journal of Asian Studies)

This well-organized study ... Both China specialists and development econonmists will welcome this book for its straightforward, rigorous treatment of a critical contemporary issue. (R.P. Gardella, Choice, Jul/Aug.00.)