Exit the binary structure (rural migrant workers, urbanization and new rural construction)

Author: Deng Hongxun, Lu Baifu (editors)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: The book includes the latest research findings of the China Rural Labor Resource Development Research Association since 2004, under the guidance of the Development Research Center of the State Council. Its key characteristics are as follows:
First, guided by the Scientific Outlook on Development, it focuses on the core issue of China's transition out of the dualistic structure, which is central to the overall economic and social structure, system, development strategy, and fundamental direction. In line with practical progress, it highlights two key aspects: promoting the transfer of surplus rural labor from agricultural industries to non-agricultural sectors and urban areas during industrialization, and strengthening the construction of a new socialist countryside. This has led to two major research projects: Out of the Dualistic Structure: Institutional Innovation in Rural Labor Transfer and Urbanization during the Urbanization Process and Out of the Dualistic Structure: New Socialist Countryside Construction, Rural Migrant Workers, and Urbanization. These studies provide a new perspective on China's dualistic economic and social characteristics, point out the widening of the urban-rural dualistic structure during urbanization, the lack of rights for rural areas and farmers within the institutional framework of urban-rural development, and the emergence of a new dualistic structure phenomenon in some regions in their treatment of migrant workers. The studies also offer an assessment of the current situation of rural labor transfer, clarify future strategic goals, institutional innovation approaches, and policies to promote the employment rights and urban integration of migrant workers. They analyze the historical context, overall development strategy, and the meaning of classified guidance for China's new socialist countryside construction during the transformation of the dualistic structure, as well as its historical tasks, goals, priorities, service systems, and related policies.
Second, it adheres to the combination of strategic research with policy and institutional studies, demonstrating strong practical relevance. Experts and scholars from both national and local levels, as well as leaders and practitioners long engaged in rural work or macroeconomic research, collaborate to conduct major topic research while investigating key and challenging issues such as food security, agricultural cooperation legislation, vocational education and training, township institutional reform, and the construction of a service-oriented government. Through continuous and in-depth field investigations in urban and rural areas, or by combining long-term practical experience in a specific region, these studies not only identify problems but also offer innovative insights and actionable policy recommendations. Many of the reports have generated widespread social response and have played a beneficial role in leadership decision-making and policy formulation.