Work

The heterogeneous migration motivations of college graduates in China: the role of preferential household registration policies

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This paper examines the impact of city-specific household registration ( hukou ) policies on the migration decisions of new college graduates in China. Using data from the 2019 National University Graduates’ Employment Survey and hukou policies from prefecture-level cities, we analyze how hukou constraints shape post-graduation location choices. Our findings reveal that: (1) Stricter hukou policies are generally associated with a lower likelihood of graduates staying in the city where they completed their education; (2) this effect tends to be more pronounced in high-amenity cities, where constrained access to urban entitlements reduces their attractiveness; (3) the impact varies across demographic groups: Male graduates, those from middle-income families, and individuals with rural hukou are more responsive to hukou restrictions; (4) the effect is strongest and statistically significant among vocational and junior college graduates. These findings highlight how institutional barriers influence labor mobility and human capital allocation.

Source: Empirical Economics

DOI: 10.1007/s00181-025-02862-6

Authors: Yuxue Sheng, Qianqian Huang, Yao-Yu Chih, Cheng Jiang

Institutions: Guangxi University, Texas State University, Peking University

Language: English

Topic: China's Socioeconomic Reforms and Governance

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Sustainable cities and communities, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,490