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Does Hukou pay? Evidence from nanny markets in urban China

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  • He, Xiaobo
  • Luo, Zijun

Abstract

This paper quantifies the effect of the Chinese Hukou (household registration) on expected wage of nannies in urban China. Using a novel data set with detailed individual information of nannies from 12 Chinese cities during 2015–2016, this study finds that a 1% increase in Hukou Index, a measure of inter-regional migration restrictions, leads to a 0.05% increase in expected wage of nannies. The effect is heterogeneous for sub-categories of Hukou policies and among different types of nannies. Migration networks also play a significant role, and the effects are different for migration networks of different sizes. These findings reveal the unexpected consequences of China’s tight control of internal migration and the change in wages of a relatively low-skill service sector.

Suggested Citation

  • He, Xiaobo & Luo, Zijun, 2020. "Does Hukou pay? Evidence from nanny markets in urban China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:chieco:v:63:y:2020:i:c:s1043951x20301061
    DOI: 10.1016/j.chieco.2020.101509
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    Cited by:

    1. Yang Yang, 2023. "Hukou Identity and Economic Behaviours: A Social Identity Perspective," Erudite Ph.D Dissertations, Erudite, number ph23-02 edited by Catherine Bros & Julie Lochard.
    2. Muzhi Wang & Weichen Yan, 2022. "Brain Gain: The Effect of Employee Quality on Corporate Social Responsibility," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 58(4), pages 679-713, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Hukou; Nanny Markets; China;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J08 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics Policies
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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