The Causes and Consequences of China's Municipal Amalgamations: Evidence from Population Redistribution. Issue 4 (19th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jia, Ning; Zhong, Huiyong
• Other Names: Chen Binkai guestEditor.; Lu Ming guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: China & world economy. Volume 30:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 174
• Page End: 200
• Publication Date: 2022-07-19
• Subjects: fiscal pressure -- municipal amalgamation -- population redistribution -- public services -- urbanization; Economic indicators -- China -- Periodicals; China -- Economic conditions -- 1976- -- Periodicals; China -- Economic policy -- 1976- -- Periodicals; China -- Commerce -- Periodicals; Economics -- China -- Periodicals; 337.951
• DOI: 10.1111/cwe.12432
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1671-2234

Abstract

Abstract: Along with China's urbanization, the spatial redistribution of the country's population has led to difficulties for local governance, especially in areas experiencing population outflows. Municipal amalgamation is an effective response. This study uses administrative system code data that are accurate at the community and village level to verify the causal relationship between migration and village or community municipal amalgamation. It shows that migration has been an important reason for municipal amalgamation. Counties with greater population outflow have experienced more frequent amalgamation, manifesting a decrease in the numbers of villages and communities. This study also examined the consequences of this amalgamation, finding that it can significantly alleviate local governments' fiscal pressures and promote public services in the long term. It is of great importance for improving the grassroots governance of population outflow areas during rapid urbanization in China.