An exploration of spatial differences and influencing factors of migrant attainment in Chinese cities

ABSTRACT Spatial inequality in migrant attainment has become a core issue in migrant welfare and urbanization. This paper investigates the spatial differences and related factors of migrant attainment in 337 Chinese cities using national survey data and applying the factor analysis method. The results indicate that migrants’ challenges in the economic and residential dimensions contribute the most to the relatively low degree of migrant attainment. The spatial distribution of migrant attainment is reflected in higher grades clustered in blocks in separate provinces. The economic and residential dimensions have opposite outcomes and reveal differences between China's north and south. The cultural and psychological dimensions are homogeneous, and the civil rights dimension is zonal. The spatial pattern of migrant attainment is jointly shaped by both the characteristics of the receiving cities and the migrants themselves. Hindrance factors involving policy differentiation and spatial barriers have the greatest impact. This paper puts into practice the theory of human-space relationship, provides a deeper research connotation, and delves deeper into the role of migrants and receiving cities. These findings provide an path to increase migrant attainment and spatial equality: determine the spatial characteristics – clarify the dimensions of lower migrant attainment – address the key influencing factors.