Multidimensional integration measures in rural-to-urban resettlement for ethnic groups: A case study of Yi poverty alleviation resettlement communities in China

Abstract

Rural-to-urban resettlement not only changes the living conditions and means of subsistence of resettled populations but also reshapes their social relationships and cultural customs. Thus, post-resettlement integration measures are essential to ensure their long-term well-being. However, existing studies have often focused on spatial and economic integration measures, overlooking the social and cultural dimensions. China's Poverty Alleviation Resettlement (PAR), one of the world's largest rural-to-urban resettlement projects, has relocated more than six million impoverished individuals from rural areas to cities or towns. Drawing on fieldwork conducted from 2020 to 2024 in three resettled communities within Sichuan Province's Liangshan Yi Ethnic Autonomous Prefecture, this study examines the local government's multidimensional strategies to foster spatial, economic, social, and cultural integration. Additionally, the psychological impacts of these programmes are examined. To strengthen economic integration, the government has implemented initiatives such as the Yi Embroidery Workshop, which supports local industry development. For social integration, community activities, cultural interest groups, and social work services targeting the older adults and children have been introduced to rebuild social networks. This paper also addresses challenges and proposes future directions for the sustainability of these integration measures.