Does Home Still Call? Generational Differences in Chinese Return Migration

While economic drivers of return migration are well-studied, the associated social mechanisms and generational nuances remain underexplored. This study investigates how migrants' economic resources in their hometowns influence return intentions through place attachment, with a specific focus on generational differences. Using first-hand nationwide survey data and multigroup structural equation modeling (MG-SEM), we find significant intergenerational disparities. Older migrants exhibit stronger return intentions. Although both generations maintain similarly high homeownership rates (approximately 75%), homeownership significantly influences return intentions only for the older generation. For younger migrants, hometown income is a strong predictor of return, suggesting a focus on financial security. Surprisingly, landholdings are insignificant for both groups, implying a shift away from traditional agricultural livelihoods. Although direct economic effects vary generationally, the indirect influence of place attachment remains consistent across generations. Our multidimensional conceptualization of place attachment reveals its positive, progressively moderating role. Favorable economic conditions facilitate stronger hometown-oriented behaviors, such as longer visits, which in turn strengthen place identity and promote return migration. This progressive place mechanism is particularly pronounced among older homeowners, emphasizing the enduring influence of place-based identity. These findings provide a nuanced understanding of return migration, moving beyond purely economic explanations to incorporate the complex interplay of proximity-seeking behavior and psychosocial factors. Our results have implications for targeted rural revitalization strategies in China, particularly for addressing population imbalances and leveraging return migration for regional development.