Hukou, self identify and mental health of Chinese rural-to-urban migrant workers

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Due to the limitation of present household registration system (hukou) in China, rural-to-urban migrant workers confront marginalization in cities, which contributes to shape their self-identities. This study attempts to discover that how do migrant workers’ living practice influence their mental health status, and whether self-identity act as a mediator between living practice and mental health. Methods: Data of this study came from questionnaire surveys in 13 cities in 2014. 2017 migrant workers were sampled by respondentdriven sampling. Data was collected by faceto- face structured interview. Results: Multiple linear regression techniques were used to model the associations between respondents’ living practice, self-identity and mental health status. Lower ratio of monthly income and expenditure, negative life events, inconvenience because of not having urban hukou and perceived social exclusion were found to be the risk factors of migrant workers’ mental health status. There were 4 types of self-identities among respondents in our sample: farmer (17.19%), worker (16.74%), migrant worker (47.28%) and not sure (18.79%). Compared to respondents who regarded themselves as the farmers, those who thought themselves as workers and migrant workers had better mental health status. Mediating effects of self-identity between perceived social exclusion, negative life events and mental health status were identified. Conclusions and Implications: This study reveals the significant associations between migrant workers’ living practice, self-identity and mental health status, and it underlines the importance to promote the transformation of present restrictive hukou system, reduce the institutional and social exclusion migrant workers encounter, and improve their mental well-being.