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A Glimpse Into China’s Daily Wage Labor Force: Based on Survey Data From Beijing, Guangzhou, and Qingdao

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The research provides a systematic empirical analysis of China's daily wage labor force based on 1,092 questionnaire surveys conducted in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Qingdao in 2023. The findings reveal a diverse demographic profile predominantly composed of middle-aged, married, male migrants with agricultural household registration (hukou), characterized by generally vulnerable economic conditions and weak family resilience against risks. Analysis of employment quality indicates that daily wage workers occupy a precarious position marked by high risk and low security, featuring job instability, high labor intensity, and extremely low social insurance coverage. The study reveals that daily wage labor serves as a "last-resort" option under structural exclusion from the formal labor market, and their living conditions reflect institutional shortcomings in the informal employment sector. Finally, policy recommendations are proposed regarding innovating social security systems and strengthening public employment services.

Source: World Journal of Sociology and Law

DOI: 10.61784/wjsl3026

Authors: ZiYi Yang, Yan Feng, XiaoJian Zhang

Institutions: China University of Labor Relations, Guangdong Baiyun University, University of Science and Technology Beijing

Language: English

Topic: China's Socioeconomic Reforms and Governance

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, No poverty, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7082382955

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