Bringing emotional reflexivity and emotional regime to understanding ‘the hukou puzzle’ in contemporary China

This article examines the dialogic relationship between emotional reflexivity and regime as it explores ‘the hukou puzzle’ in China. In theory, migrants small- to medium-scale cities can transfer their (household registration) urban areas, yet are unwilling do so practice. Relying on six months’ ethnographic fieldwork 60 in-depth interviews with ethnic migrant performers, this argues that previous theorisation of puzzle neglects emotions assumes making rational choices maximise profits. reality, different feelings inform migrants’ regarding an opaque migration regime, which highlights crucial role how they exercise relational ways. Moreover, a neoliberal at Chinese societal level – emphasises positive energy, happiness China Dream’ also significantly shapes reflexivity. points need further explore intersection relation migration.