Do Neighbours Matter? The Impact of Residential Segregation on the Health of Rural-to-Urban Migrants in China

This study examined the impact of residential segregation on the health of rural-to-urban migrants in China. Residential segregation in China is primarily shaped by the country's unique household registration (hukou) system, known as the hukou. Drawing on data from China's migrant population, our findings revealed that residential segregation significantly worsened rural-to-urban migrants' health and exacerbated existing health disparities. Further analysis indicated that segregation limited rural-to-urban migrants' access to public health services and hindered social integration, both of which likely contribute to their poorer health outcomes. Given the growing residential segregation in developing countries, our findings have significant implications for policy interventions targeted at improving migrants' health through more equitable housing policies and enhanced public services in segregated neighbourhoods.