Self‐employment in Rural China: Its Development, Chara cteristics, and Relation to Income

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