Rural Development in China from the Perspective of Relative Poverty

This book provides a broad survey of Chinese rural households at a time of rapid change in China’s rural economy, examining the dual identity of households as consumers as well as producers of goods in terms of supply and demand. Based on the results of the China Rural Household Panel Survey (CRHPS) by Zhejiang University, this book analyzes four types of economic activities of rural households in China, particularly considering changes at the micro level. It examines how households strive to maximize family efficacy through input-output production decision-making in allocating limited resources. Examining data pertaining to agricultural production, land exploitation, migration and nationalization, as well as changes in economic behavior, this book offers a snapshot of the current situation of rural households in China and suggestions to improve living standards and related policies.

1. Introduction.- 2. Basic Structure of Rural Households.- 3. Employment in Rural Households.- 4. Income and Expenditure of Rural Households.- 5. Social Security of Rural Households.- 6. Community Environment of Rural Households.- 7. Governance and Public Services of Rural Communities.- 8. Research Conclusions.

Wenrong Qian is Professor at the School of Public Affairs and China Academy of Rural Development (CARD), Zhejiang University, China. He is also a member of Appraisal Group of Agriculture and Forestry Economics and Management Discipline of Academic Degrees Committee of the State Council. His research interests include Household and Family Economics, Labour Economics, Land Economics, and Development Economics.