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Research on the Influence of Informal Employment on Residents’ Happiness in China: Empirical Analysis Based on CLDS Data

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  • Guangyan Chen

    (Sichuan Rural Development Research Center, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Feng Qiu

    (Western Rural Revitalization Research Center, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Xiaowen Dai

    (Sichuan Rural Development Research Center, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Hongxing Lan

    (Sichuan Rural Development Research Center, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Jiahao Song

    (Sichuan Rural Development Research Center, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

Abstract

The influence of informal employment on residents’ happiness has gained wide attention around the world. However, few studies focus on this topic in China. Using the 2016 wave of the China Labor Force Dynamics Survey (CLDS) data, we examined the effect of informal employment and its mechanisms on residents’ happiness in China. Our study shows there is a significant negative correlation between informal employment and residents’ happiness in China. Moreover, the correlation between informal employment and residents’ happiness is stronger for residents who are female, migrating, and with a rural household registration. In addition, we investigated possible mechanisms of the effect, including individual income, social respect, unemployment expectations, and social security, and found that informal employment reduces the happiness of residents by widening the gap in unemployment probability and social insurance level among residents.

Suggested Citation

  • Guangyan Chen & Feng Qiu & Xiaowen Dai & Hongxing Lan & Jiahao Song, 2022. "Research on the Influence of Informal Employment on Residents’ Happiness in China: Empirical Analysis Based on CLDS Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:15:p:9085-:d:871793
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    1. Ling, Wanying & Wang, Senhu & Li, Shuanglong, 2024. "Diversity patterns in non-standard employment and their relationship with self-rated health in urban China from 2010 to 2021," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 348(C).
    2. Gengzhi Huang & Yanshan Yang & Yubing Lei & Jiangmin Yang, 2022. "Differences in Subjective Well-Being between Formal and Informal Workers in Urban China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Xuhui Ding & Yong Chen & Min Li & Narisu Liu, 2022. "Booster or Killer? Research on Undertaking Transferred Industries and Residents’ Well-Being Improvements," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-19, November.
    4. Yongsong Wu & Yang Cao, 2023. "Research on the Influence of Ecological Environment Satisfaction and Income Level on Chinese Residents’ Happiness: Empirical Analysis Based on CGSS Data," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-18, May.

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