Migrants in Shanghai’s manufacturing companies: Employment conditions and policy implications

Chen, Y. (2009) Migrants in Shanghai’s manufacturing companies: Employment conditions and policy implications. Journal of Asian Public Policy, 2(3), pp. 279-292. (doi: 10.1080/17516230903204794)

Abstract

The abundance of cheap labour associated with mass migration contributes to the global competitiveness of Chinese manufacturing. Yet migrants are concentrated in low-skilled production line work with inferior working conditions. Drawing on data from fieldwork on 21 manufacturing companies in Shanghai in 2005 and 2006, this article compares working conditions of migrants and local workers with reference to statutory labour regulations. Such comparison throws light on inequality in the workplace. Migrants from both the countryside and other urban areas are studied, which enhances our understanding of the similar institutional arrangements confronted by both rural and urban migrants, as well as the differences resulting from the rural and urban dichotomy. Policy recommendations to improve equality are then outlined.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Special issue: New social risks and changing directions in Asian family policy
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Chen, Dr Yu
• Authors: Chen, Y.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
• Journal Name: Journal of Asian Public Policy
• ISSN: 1751-6234
• ISSN (Online): 1751-6242