Local government reluctance threatens China's hukou system reforms
Millions of migrant workers face service barriers as local authorities resist reform.
Deep Dive
The article shows how China's hukou system ties residency to birthplace, preventing millions of migrant workers from accessing public services like healthcare and education in the cities where they work. A typical case is Wang Ming, who has lived in Beijing for over 20 years with his wife but cannot obtain a local hukou; their son must return to the province where they are registered to take the college entrance exam.
Key Points
- Wang Ming, a Beijing migrant, must send his 12-year-old son 120 km away for schooling due to hukou restrictions.
- Hukou ties residency to birthplace, limiting access to health, education, and social services for millions of migrant workers.
- Local governments in major cities resist reforms, citing capacity and budget constraints.
Why It Matters
Reforms are essential for equitable urban development, but local resistance could perpetuate inequality for China's migrant population.