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Investigation on Life Satisfaction of Rural-to-Urban Migrant Workers in China: A Moderated Mediation Model

Author

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  • Qian Liu

    (School of Public Administration, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China)

  • Haimin Pan

    (School of Sociology and Anthropology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
    Department of Sociology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

Abstract

Given the large number of internal migrant workers in China and their contribution to the development of the society and country, their life satisfaction somewhat signifies the success of their integration into the new environment. This study is to explore the influence of subjective relative deprivation on life satisfaction among rural-to-urban migrant workers in China. Additionally, linking social capital was used as a mediator and friendship network size as a moderator. This study was designed as cross-sectional and 2442 rural-urban migrants in both Xiamen ( N = 1197) and Changsha ( N = 1245) were recruited by using a multi-stage stratified probability proportional to size sampling method. The results showed a significantly negative mediating effect of linking social capital with a negative association between subjective relative deprivation and life satisfaction. Moreover, the number of friends moderated the effect of linking social capital on life satisfaction. This study confirmed a moderated mediation model and highlighted the importance of linking social capital and subjective relative deprivation in deciding life satisfaction of Chinese rural-to-urban migrant workers. Polities and purposeful action for enhancing social integration (i.e., interaction with community members and taking part in social and political activities) are advised to build a well-off society in China.

Suggested Citation

  • Qian Liu & Haimin Pan, 2020. "Investigation on Life Satisfaction of Rural-to-Urban Migrant Workers in China: A Moderated Mediation Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:7:p:2454-:d:341192
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Wentao Si & Chen Jiang & Lin Meng, 2022. "Leaving the Homestead: Examining the Role of Relative Deprivation, Social Trust, and Urban Integration among Rural Farmers in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-28, October.
    3. Xia Sun & Juan Chen & Shenghua Xie, 2022. "Becoming Urban Citizens: A Three-Phase Perspective on the Social Integration of Rural–Urban Migrants in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-19, May.
    4. Zenghui Huo & Mei Zhang & Junhui Han, 2022. "Heterogeneity of Capability Deprivation and Subjective Sense of Gain: Analysis of Factor Mixture Models Based on 892 Rural Households in Six Provinces," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-16, April.
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    6. Wangnan Cao & Qingping Yun & Chun Chang & Ying Ji, 2022. "Family Support and Social Support Associated with National Essential Public Health Services Utilization among Older Migrants in China: A Gender Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-10, January.

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