Social services utilization, land tenure arrangements, and self-identification among rural migrants in China

This article explores whether the government policies are related to migrants taking on new self-identity. Drawing from the literature on identity, migrant adaptation, and citizenship, we propose a conceptual model of self-identity by rural migrants in China. We argue that self-identity of rural migrants is related to social policies that discourage a sojourner mentality and allow rural migrants to enjoy the same set of social benefits as local residents. Based on data collected in Xi’an in2012, our findings support the argument. The findings have two important implications. First, our research shows that the simple dichotomy of rural versus urban in the literature regarding migrant workers in China may not be appropriate anymore, as a considerable proportion of migrant workers in China no longer identify themselves as rural residents and not urban residents. They identify themselves as “urban population from elsewhere” (chengshi wailai renkou). Second, our study opens a new venue for understanding self-identity of migrants. We offer an understanding of how social policies are related to self-identity.