Hukou System
by Adrian Stockdill
1. Benefits
1.1. Immigration into China has been controlled.
1.2. There is less pressure for resources on major cities such as Beijing since many people have to move back into rural areas once they grow up.
1.2.1. Less overcrowding
2. Disadvantages
2.1. Increasing financial gulf between those in urban and those in rural areas.
2.2. Second children that were born illegally under the one-child policy have no ability to be ever granted citizenship under hukou. These people cannot get married, have children travel by train or plain, get healthcare, education or government support.
2.2.1. These children end up having their own children illegally, resulting in more people not under hukou. This relationship between cause and effect creates a cycle which results in more and more people being excluded from the system and the benefits it provides.
2.3. Farmers are significantly marginalized For example, a farmers income is on average 1/6th that of someone in urban areas and farmers on average have to pay 3 times more tax. while receives poorer quality and less services such as healthcare and education.
2.3.1. Since the 1970's 260m rural people have been moving illegally into the city , many living in poor or homeless conditions while seeking for an increased income. These people are often blamed for crime and poverty.