Some thoughts on China's Hukou system

Discussion in 'Economics & Trade' started by kazenatsu, Mar 25, 2019.

  1. kazenatsu

    kazenatsu Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    Like many cities in the United States, China has a problem with some of its star cities being overcrowded since so many people from other areas want to move there for better paying jobs.

    In a Communist country like China they have a simple solution: the Hokou system.
    It basically gives special privileges to those already living there to continue living there, while those from other areas are not permitted to live there. It's like an immigration control system within a country.

    In recent decades with the booming economy, as peasants have been pouring in from the countryside to work in these cities, the government has mostly declined to enforce the system. The people from other provinces are still not entitled to public benefits or education for their children. This has effectively created a group of second class citizens living in these big city areas in Eastern China.

    Could you imagine if the United States did this? In almost any other country that would result in children growing up without an education, but not in China. Chinese parents highly value education and know their children may have a difficult time surviving without one. Even the poor in China do whatever it takes to make sure their child gets an education. These migrant workers who lack a Hukou permit are at a disadvantage because they have to pay for their children's education out of their own pocket. This often takes place at small private schools, since the children are not eligible to go to public schools in the area.


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    Last edited: Mar 25, 2019

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