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Opportunity equality and development: Rural income mobility and city size in China

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  • Binkai Chen
  • Dan Liu
  • Ming Lu

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the relationship between city size and rural intergenerational mobility using prefecture‐level data in China. We find that intergenerational mobility in rural areas is positively related to urban population of the affiliated cities. This correlation is partially driven by better coverage of secondary and university education for the rural young who reside close to large cities. Moreover, our further investigation shows that the return to high school education is less dependent on parent incomes around larger cities for rural young people.

Suggested Citation

  • Binkai Chen & Dan Liu & Ming Lu, 2022. "Opportunity equality and development: Rural income mobility and city size in China," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 45(11), pages 3602-3624, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:worlde:v:45:y:2022:i:11:p:3602-3624
    DOI: 10.1111/twec.12721
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