Spatial Mobility and Sense of Belonging: Micro Trajectories of Chinese Rural Migrants and Returnees

Abstract

Quantitative migration studies often simplify Chinese rural migration to one-time events, overlooking micro-dynamic trajectories. Based on life history interviews with 33 rural migrants and returnees from the same rural area, this study identifies four trajectory types across urban administrative levels: move-up, move-down, drift-out, and shuttle. Findings reveal migration as a dynamic and continuous state. Crucially, regardless of spatial trajectories, most migrants maintain a strong sense of belonging to their rural hometown. This tension between high mobility and persistent identity affiliation challenges traditional integration narratives, underscoring the indispensable value of a humanistic perspective.