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Rural-Urban Disparity and Sectoral Labor Allocation in China

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  • Yang, Dennis T.
  • Hao Zhou

Abstract

This paper examines China's rural-urban segmentation and its causes in the context of economic reforms. Household survey and aggregate data indicate a V-shaped process in which the rural-urban consumption and income differentials decreased between 1978-85, but then have continually increased historically high levels. This sectoral division is consistent with production function estimates based on provincial data that reveal higher labor productivity in urban/state-owned industries than in rural industries and agriculture. To explain the V-shaped change, we argue that the precedent of successful rural reforms raised farmers' relative earnings, but the remaining obstacles for an efficient sectoral allocation of labor have prevented China from eliminating dualism. The recent financial policies consisting of urban price subsidies and increased investment credits have also had influential distribution effects biased against the rural sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang, Dennis T. & Hao Zhou, 1997. "Rural-Urban Disparity and Sectoral Labor Allocation in China," Working Papers 97-02, Duke University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:duk:dukeec:97-02
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    1. Rawski, Thomas G., 1979. "Economic growth and employment in China," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 7(8-9), pages 767-782.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • P21 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Planning, Coordination, and Reform
    • O53 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Asia including Middle East

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