Chinese Journal of Sociology ›› 2010, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (1): 69-87.

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Influence of Human Capital on the SocioEconomic Status in the Chinese Labor Market
 

 Li Peilin, Tian Feng   

  1. Author 1Li PeilinInstitute of SociologyChinese Academy of Social SciencesSociology DivisionEinstitute of Shanghai University. Author 2Tian FengInstitute of Sociology Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
  • Online:2010-01-20 Published:2010-01-20

Abstract:

This paper tries to answer the question why the income gap tends to be continuously increasing despite the growing educational returns in China. Based on the data of a largescale survey (GSS2008,CASS) conducted in 2008 by the Institute of Sociology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, this paper analyzes the influence of the human capital indicated by years of education, skill levels, and working experience on people’s socioeconomic status (SES) in the labor market. The SES is defined by incomes and Social Security status. The data analysis has led to the finding that the differences in the returns on education are decided by human capital factors, whereas the differences in the Social Security status are due to institutional factors such as the Hukou or household registration system. The conclusion is that the dualistic nature of the Chinese labor market determines the social stratification mechanism in China.

Key words:  human capital, labor market, socioeconomic status , China