A study of the temporary population in Chinese cities

Since the early 1980s, a large number of rural migrants have moved into Chinese cities. Most rural migrants are not granted permanent household registration in the city and are only registered temporarily. The temporary population refers to such rural migrants. They have a low social and economic status and do not enjoy many social welfare and economic opportunities reserved for the permanent urban residents. Due to their low socio-economic status, housing conditions for the temporary population is poor. The current housing reform in urban China has entirely focused on the local urban residents while the needs of the temporary population have been overlooked. How do the rural migrants make a living in Chinese cities? How are cities accommodating this large temporary population? What kind of policies might be adopted to manage migrants in Chinese cities? This paper will examine the current employment and housing situations, and the causes of temporary population in China. Possible policy response to the problem is also discussed.