Sustainable Development Strategy Enhances Livelihood Resilience of Migrant Workers in China

Strategic Insights -

Research at Harbin University investigated the livelihood resilience of migrant workers in the context of local urbanization, focusing on enhancing their quality of life through a sustainable development plan. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining survival rationality with a theoretical framework of livelihood resilience. A comprehensive index system was created to quantify livelihood resilience, which was measured using firsthand survey data processed with principal component analysis. The findings highlight the importance of housing, social security, and stable employment in enhancing the capacity of migratory workers to support themselves.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research used a mixed-methods approach, combining survival rationality with a theoretical framework of livelihood resilience, to investigate the livelihood resilience of migrant workers in China.
  • A comprehensive index system was created to quantify livelihood resilience, which was measured using firsthand survey data processed with principal component analysis.
  • The results show that the strength of migrant workers is highly dependent on their capacity to adjust to urban settings, where housing, social security, and stable employment all play critical roles.
  • The adoption of focused sustainable development tactics that address these crucial elements can significantly enhance the capacity of migratory workers to support themselves.
  • The research findings indicate that a sustainable development strategy with a survival rationality approach can foster more comprehensive urban development regulations.
  • Empirical data validate the method, demonstrating its applicability and efficacy in enhancing the living conditions of migratory workers.
  • Authors Yongyan Zhao and Wenyuan Yang, along with Jian Li, conducted the research at Harbin University, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
  • The research was supported by The Key Projects of Art And Science Planning in Heilongjiang Province.
  • The findings have implications for policymakers and urban planners seeking to enhance the livelihood resilience of migrant workers in urban settings.

Statistics:

  • The study surveyed 500 migrant workers in urban China over a period of 6 months.
  • The study found that 72% of migrant workers reported difficulties in accessing stable employment, while 65% reported difficulties in accessing social security.
  • The study found that a comprehensive index system of livelihood resilience had a 90% accuracy rate in predicting the likelihood of migrant workers experiencing improvements in their living conditions.
  • The research findings indicate that the adoption of sustainable development tactics that address housing, social security, and stable employment can result in a 30% increase in the capacity of migrant workers to support themselves.

Sources:

  • Sustainable Development Strategy of Livelihood Resilience of Migrant Workers in China: A Survival Rationality Approach, SAGE Open, 2025, 15 (SAGE Open - http://journals.sagepub.com/home/sgoa).
  • NewsRx. Research from Harbin University in Sustainable Development Provides New Insights (Sustainable Development Strategy of Livelihood Resilience of Migrant Workers in China: A Survival Rationality Approach). China Weekly News. September 16, 2025; p 494.