Table of Content

29 March 2007, Volume 31 Issue 2

Previous Issue    Next Issue

A Systematic Approach to Population Ecology and Its Spatial Pattern of Development in China

Wang Rusong, Chen Liang

2007, 31(2):  1-14. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (1250KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Regional ecological situation of population is dominated by natural resources, environment, social and economic conditions, as well as historic cultures. Building on data of population, resource, environment, social and economic development and the literature, this paper explores the ecological theory of population changes. Policy considerations are discussed addressing development of society and economy, protection of natural environment, and ecological safety of population.

Future Food Security and Arable Land Guarantee for Population Development in China

Feng Zhiming

2007, 31(2):  15-29. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (2563KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

The study aims to explore food security and arable land guarantee for population development in China. The results indicate that the increase of future population and food consumption will be definitely coupled with a decrease in total arable land and per capita arable land area, as well as an increase in per capita food consumption and total food demand. The findings highlight that a total of 120 million ha of arable land will have to be reserved for ensuring grain demand of about 1.44 billion people at a per capita consumption level of 420-435 kg grain . And at a per capita consumption level of 450 kg grain, the grain production capacity of arable land could meet grain demand of about 1.47 billion people-estimated peak of the Chinese population. However, further increase in per capita grain occupancy is not optimistic, thanks to the restriction of limited arable land resources. The relationship between arable land area, food production and population suggests that emphasis on future food security be transferred into grain security, and the focus be placed on food production restricted by arable land and on the increasing grain consumption driven by population growth. Thus, special attention should be paid, on the one hand, to the arable land area and food production, i.e., improvement in land productivity, and on the other hand, to the security of food production and consumption through formation of moderate consumption ideology and establishment of reasonable food structure for proper intake of animal and plant nutrition. The study concludes that both production and consumption factors should be taken into consideration for ensuring the Chinese food security and arable land for population development in the middle and long run.

The Floating Population in Beijing:An Update

Zhai Zhenwu, Duan Chengrong, Bi Qiuling

2007, 31(2):  30-40. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (440KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Using data from the one per thousand floating population survey in Beijing conducted in 2006, this paper examines structure, distribution, economic status and living arrangement of the floating population in Beijing. Structural changes of the floating population are taking place, with increasing familization of migration. Economic advantages are the major pulling factor in Beijing. Duration of stay in Beijing is quite long for most of the migrants, and many are the de facto Beijingnese. Being informal is characteristic of the ways in which the migrants move to and are being employed in Beijing. The vast majority of the migrant workers are engaged in non-agricultural activities; however, their upward mobility in the city is rare. The paper also discusses difficulties and problems that the migrants face in employment, social security and living conditions.

Policy Analysis of Migrant Children in China

He Ling, Li Bing

2007, 31(2):  71-80. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (146KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

In addressing equal rights of children and using data from the 2003 China Nine-City Sampling Survey on Migrant Children, this paper examines policies regarding migrant children at both the national and regional levels, responsibilities of central and local governments, and factors affecting formulation and implementation of policies of migrant children. The paper concludes with policy recommendations addressing problems in migrant children.

Factors Affecting Identity of the Peasant Migrant Workers

Peng Yuanchun

2007, 31(2):  81-90. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (183KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Drawing on data from a questionnaire survey on 566 peasant migrant workers employed in catering in Central China’s Wuhan city, this paper examines the extent to which they are identified with "peasanthood" and the factors affecting this. The survey shows that more than thirty percent of the peasant migrant workers are equivocal on their identity. Multivariate analysis shows that significant factors influencing their identity include: attitude towards living in the city before migration, contact with the mass media, number of jobs done in the city, contentment with salary, the extent to which their families support their work in the city, and duration being engaged in agriculture production. The results confirm to the hypotheses that countryside memory and urban expectation and experience have independent and strong influence on identity of the peasant migrant workers.