Self-Employment in Rural China: Its Development, Characteristics, and Relation to Income

The changes in the employment structure rural China are studied with a focus on off farm self-employment. Data from Household Income Project surveys covering same 14 provinces 1988 to 2018 used. We find that proportion of adults self-employment as their primary form off-farm increased only 2 percent 11 2013, no further increases through 2018. In and 1995, rate was highest eastern region, but thereafter, this regional pattern disappeared. probability being self-employed higher among married males than unmarried persons. Having had migration experience self-employed. also report since households have average income other categories households. Based estimates functions, we conclude premium rapidly 1995 become remarkably large when few were However, larger fraction population has entered self-employment, payoff diminished, although 2018, it nevertheless still substantial.