Retain in the City, Return Flow, or Blind Direction: A Study on the Differentiation Mechanism of Migrant Workers’ Migration Willingness under the Background of China’s Strategy for Integrated Urban–Rural Development

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper titled "Retain in the City, Return Flow, or Blind Direction: A Study on the Differentiation Mechanism of Migrant Workers' Migration Willingness in China" introduces an innovative and well-defined method for integrating migrant labor in chinese working environment. It provides fresh perspectives on the unique migration preferences of workers, contributing to the existing understanding of this significant socioeconomic phenomenon. The authors have meticulously scrutinized all the data to ensure that the discussions are underpinned by empirical evidence. While the findings are robust, they may benefit from additional elucidation and synthesis, especially in terms of their implications for policy and cross-national comparisons. Here I suggest, conclusions to be better synthesized Moreover, the referencing style is not consistently adhered to, with several in-text citations proving challenging to trace. 

Author Response

Comment 1:Are the conclusions thoroughly supported by the results presented in the article or referenced in secondary literature?

Response 1:Thank you for pointing this out,we agree with this comment.Therefore,We have supplemented our empirical results section by adding a discussion on the causes of these findings. For instance, the empirical analysis concludes that an improvement in public service levels can enhance migrant workers' willingness to migrate(P17). Consequently, in the subsequent sections, we explicitly propose policy recommendations to elevate public service standards and advance the process of migrant workers' citizenship(P22), aiming to make the article possess stronger causal logic.The modifications to this section are located on pages 17 and 22 respectively and we have bolded this part of the content in the article. Meanwhile, we have made many revisions in this aspect, and the revised parts have been highlighted in red.

 

Comment 2: While the findings are robust, they may benefit from additional elucidation and synthesis, especially in terms of their implications for policy and cross-national comparisons.Here I suggest, conclusions to be better synthesized.

Response 2:Thank you for pointing this out,we agree with this comment.Therefore,In our analysis of results from pages 15 to 21, we have conducted separate, China-policy-grounded analyses for the three groups: "Returning Flow," "Retaing in the city," and "Blind Direction." Additionally, we have included a brief introduction to labor migration studies in different countries at the beginning of "4.2 Related Discussions" on page 15, which is highlighted in red and bold. Given that the emergence of migrant workers in China's urban areas stems from China's unique national conditions, the research context of this paper differs significantly from that of labor migration in other nations.Accordingly, following the introduction to cross-national labor migration studies, we have conducted an analysis and elaboration on the origins and migration patterns of migrant workers entering China's urban areas within the context of China's national conditions.

 

Comment 3:Moreover, the referencing style is not consistently adhered to, with several in-text citations proving challenging to trace.

Response 3:We have carefully reviewed our references and corresponding content, removing any that do not align accordingly. Consequently, every single reference can now be traced back to its original source within the text.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This manuscript (sustainability-3108028) tries to explore the internal mechanism that affects the ternary differentiation of migrant workers' migration willingness, and propose solutions such as employment guidance and improving security levels to encourage migrant workers to stay in cities or return home. Generally speaking, it is a useful research. I have some suggestions:

- . The representativeness of the research samples needs to be further verified. In particular, for migrant workers in remote or economically underdeveloped areas, their migration intentions may be unique, but they are not fully covered.

- . The research mainly relies on sampling surveys, which is a direct method but may be affected by the subjectivity of respondents and answer bias. In addition, the scientificity and effectiveness of the questionnaire design may also affect the accuracy of the data.

- . The research constructs four dimensions of influencing factors based on social integration theory and life cycle theory, but these theories may not be sufficient to fully explain the complexity of migrant workers' migration intentions.

- . The applicability of social integration theory and life cycle theory in explaining the differentiation of migrant workers' migration intentions needs further demonstration. In particular, the application of life cycle theory to the special group of migrant workers may require more empirical support.

- . There may still be some important variables that are missing in the factors that affect migrant workers' willingness to migrate, such as policy factors and social support networks.

- . During the data collection process, there was no clear mention of how to protect the privacy and sensitive information of the respondents, which is an issue that must be taken seriously in research involving personal surveys.

- . The research mainly explored the factors that affect the migration intention of migrant workers through empirical analysis, but there are limitations in the inference of causal relationships.

- . The interpretation and discussion of the research results were not in-depth enough and failed to fully explore the underlying causes and mechanisms behind the results.

- . In future research, the conditions of inter-city connectivity can be taken into account, which will significantly improve the accuracy and rationality of the research. Please refer to below.

Measuring inter-city connectivity in an urban agglomeration based on multi-source data. 2019, 33: 1062-1081

Measuring global multi-scale place connectivity using geotagged social media data. 2021, 14694.

- . It is necessary to propose more targeted policy recommendations based on the actual conditions of specific regions and groups. At the same time, the possible effects of policy implementation should be predicted and evaluated to improve the effectiveness and feasibility of the policy.

- . In the conclusion, the limitations of the study are not discussed sufficiently, and future research directions are not clearly proposed.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Extensive editing of English language required.

Author Response

Comment 1 & 2: The representativeness of the research samples needs to be further verified. In particular, for migrant workers in remote or economically underdeveloped areas, their migration intentions may be unique, but they are not fully covered. What’s more,the research mainly relies on sampling surveys, which is a direct method but may be affected by the subjectivity of respondents and answer bias. In addition, the scientificity and effectiveness of the questionnaire design may also affect the accuracy of the data.

Response 1&2:Thank you for pointing out.We would like to point out that before the investigation, we conducted rigorous screenings of cities and respondents based on official data and existing research results. Therefore, we can ensure that our selection of cities and research objects is objective. In addition, the screening process of cities and research objects is complex and has little relevance to the main content of the article. Therefore, we have added a brief explanation of this issue in Section 3.1 on page 7, which has been highlighted in red.

 

Comment 3&4: The research constructs four dimensions of influencing factors based on social integration theory and life cycle theory, but these theories may not be sufficient to fully explain the complexity of migrant workers' migration intentions.What’s more,the applicability of social integration theory and life cycle theory in explaining the differentiation of migrant workers' migration intentions needs further demonstration. In particular, the application of life cycle theory to the special group of migrant workers may require more empirical support.

Response 3&4: Thank you for your advice. Following your suggestion, we have carefully reviewed the logical flow of our writing. Indeed, we found it challenging to apply social integration theory and life cycle theory to explain the differentiation of migration intention among Chinese rural-urban migrant workers. Consequently, we have reassessed our theoretical foundation and structured our writing framework accordingly. We have chosen the Push-Pull theory and Social Integration theory to separately analyze the endowment characteristics of urban and rural areas that generate "push" and "pull" forces on the migrant worker population. These "push" and "pull" forces either facilitate migrant workers' integration into urban life or discourage them from staying in cities. These modifications are reflected in pages 4-7 of the article, under the section of Theoretical Basis and Hypotheses, and the revised content has been highlighted in red. 

 

Comment 5: There may still be some important variables that are missing in the factors that affect migrant workers' willingness to migrate, such as policy factors and social support networks.

Response 5: Thank you for your suggestions. Since the questionnaire has already been distributed, we may not be able to incorporate social network elements and policy factors into the variable design as you suggested. However, we have taken policy factors into account as the context for posing and addressing the issues. Consequently, we have revised the topic and placed our article within the policy context of urban-rural integration in China. Additionally, the choices of migrant workers to "Retain in the city"  "Return Flow" "Blind Direction"also occur against different policy backdrops, which we have analyzed accordingly. These modifications are reflected in the title and abstract on page 1, as well as in the results analysis section from pages 15 to 21. The revised content has been highlighted in red.

 

Comment 6:During the data collection process, there was no clear mention of how to protect the privacy and sensitive information of the respondents, which is an issue that must be taken seriously in research involving personal surveys.

Response 6:Thank you for pointing this out,we agree with this comment.We have conducted research strictly in accordance with relevant Chinese laws, abided by academic norms in the investigation process, and obtained prior approval from the university's ethics committee for the research. Before respondents fill out the questionnaire, they sign a consent form. We guarantee that each individual will be represented by a code, and the results of the questionnaire will only be used for academic research and will be kept strictly confidential. The content regarding the protection of respondents' privacy has been added to page 7, above Table 2. This part of the content has been highlighted in red.

 

Comment 7&8: The research mainly explored the factors that affect the migration intention of migrant workers through empirical analysis, but there are limitations in the inference of causal relationships.What’s more,the interpretation and discussion of the research results were not in-depth enough and failed to fully explore the underlying causes and mechanisms behind the results.

Response 7&8:Thank you for pointing this out,we agree with this comment.After re-examining the causal logic of the article, we found that the original causal relationship was not entirely clear. We have redefined the theoretical basis and hypotheses, and by analyzing the "push" and "pull" factors inherent in both rural and urban areas, as well as their assimilating or excluding effects on migrant workers, we aim to elucidate the underlying reasons for the differentiation in migration intentions among rural-urban migrants. Consequently, we have expanded and restructured the content of the "Related Discussion" section, altering the empirical results to separately analyze the formation mechanisms and characteristic elements of three distinct groups: "Retain in the City," "Return Flow," and "Blind Direction." We hope that these adjustments will better align the causes and consequences of the migrant workers' migration issue. These modifications are reflected in the theoretical foundation from pages 4-7 and the related discussions from pages 15-21, with the revised parts highlighted in red.

 

Comment 9:It is necessary to propose more targeted policy recommendations based on the actual conditions of specific regions and groups. At the same time, the possible effects of policy implementation should be predicted and evaluated to improve the effectiveness and feasibility of the policy.

Response 9:Thank you for pointing this out.We would like to point out that our selection of regions and groups is reflected in the choice of cities and research objects. We did not conduct empirical analysis on a specific city or group. However, we divided three types of groups based on the differentiation of migrant workers' willingness to migrate, and analyzed them in combination with the current policy background. At the same time, we put forward corresponding policy improvement suggestions in the "Promotion Strategy" section from page 21-23.

 

 

Comment 10: In the conclusion, the limitations of the study are not discussed sufficiently, and future research directions are not clearly proposed.

 

Response 10:Thank you for pointing this out,we agree with this comment.Based on your suggestions, we have embarked on writing the sections of research limitations and future prospects. Since the title and structure of the article have been revised, with the addition of the policy background, our writing of research limitations and future prospects is still in progress. We will complete this part as soon as possible and submit it in the next round of review.

 

 

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The study is much more interesting than the authors described in the Abstract.

Abstract

Authors are encouraged to specify the methodology of the study and enhance the author’s scientific contribution and results.

Confusion is in the description of data. The notes indicate that «according to the field survey in 31 cities of China’s seven major economic zones» (15 Link) and «The research team conducted a sample survey of migrant workers and their families in 21 cities across seven major regions in China» (Link 282). Where is the truth?

Add References to sources in square brackets in text of article - [1].

Introduction

The introduction needs to be rewritten. Show that the topic is relevant not only for China, but also for many other countries. This will help to expand the readership and to increase the reader’s interest.

It is not recommended to include graphs and drawings in the introduction. Figure 1., Table 1. are not very informative and can be removed without pain. The main results of Figure 1., Table 1 are sufficient to describe in the text.

Link 66 and other links – Error! Reference source not found.

The literature review in the introduction needs to be supplemented by more recent research results (2020-2024).

Make your research aim clear.

2. Theoretical Basis and Hypothesis

2.1. Theory of Social Integration

The section does not refer to sources, although migration in the context of social integration theory is discussed quite widely not only in China but also in other countries.

See, for example,

Xu, J., Liu, G., Li, H., Jiang, X., Zhou, S., Wang, J., ... & Kong, F. (2024). Association between social integration and loneliness among the female migrant older adults with children: the mediating effect of social support. BMC geriatrics, 24(1), 4.

Zhang, P., Wei, X., & Mao, G. (2024). Cultural diversity, social integration, and migrant entrepreneurship—evidence from the China migrants dynamic survey. Small Business Economics, 62(3), 1135-1155.

2.2. Theory of Life Course

Add Reference source: Link 226 Chen Zhanjiang, Link 234 Yuan Song, Link 242 Jing Xiaofen and other.

So, you can draw a theoretical model of the study and then highlight your hypotheses.

3.1. Sample Situation

The authors mention only briefly of «the 21 cities across seven major regions in China, including East China, South China, North China, Central China, Southwest China, Northwest China, and Northeast China. Give a more detailed economic profile of these cities». Why they were chosen for the survey? Describe it in more detail.

5. Improvement Strategies

This section should be renamed the «Conclusion» and rewritten in accordance with the practice of scientific journals -  show theoretical, managerial and policy implications. Summarize what hypotheses you have proved and what novelties you have found.

Add in the conclusion of future research.

References

Add the sources for 2020-2024.

Refer to the requirements of the journal. For more information, please visit: https://www.mdpi.com/authors/references

Author Response

1. Abstract

Comment 1:Confusion is in the description of data. The notes indicate that «according to the field survey in 31 cities of China’s seven major economic zones» (15 Link) and «The research team conducted a sample survey of migrant workers and their families in 21 cities across seven major regions in China» (Link 282). Where is the truth?

Response 1:Thank you for pointing this out,we agree with this comment.We sincerely apologize for this mistake. In fact, we have conducted the survey by selecting samples from 21 cities in China(Link 20&322).

 

2. Introduction

Comment 2:The introduction needs to be rewritten. Show that the topic is relevant not only for China, but also for many other countries. This will help to expand the readership and to increase the reader’s interest.

Response 2:Thank you for pointing this out,we agree with this comment.Therefore,In our analysis of results from pages 15 to 21, we have conducted separate, China-policy-grounded analyses for the three groups: "Returning Flow," "Retaining in the city," and "Blind Direction." Additionally, we have included a brief introduction to labor migration studies in different countries at the beginning of "4.2 Related Discussions" on page 15, which is highlighted in red and bold. Given that the emergence of migrant workers in China's urban areas stems from the country's unique national conditions, the research context of this paper differs significantly from that of labor migration in other nations.Accordingly, following the introduction to cross-national labor migration studies, we have conducted an analysis and elaboration on the origins and migration patterns of migrant workers entering China's urban areas within the context of China's national conditions.

 

Comment 3:It is not recommended to include graphs and drawings in the introduction. Figure 1., Table 1. are not very informative and can be removed without pain. The main results of Figure 1., Table 1 are sufficient to describe in the text.

Response 3:Thank you for pointing this out,we agree with this comment.We have removed Table 1 - Changes in the Number of Migrant Workers in China in the Past Five Years from the revised manuscript.

 

Comment 4:Link 66 and other links – Error! Reference source not found.

Response 4:Thank you for pointing this out,we agree with this comment.We sincerely apologize for this mistake. We have rearranged our citation numbers and made sure they correspond to the content in the original text one by one. In addition, we have added brackets to the reference section as per your suggestion, and the numbering has been highlighted in red in the reference section on pages 23-24.

 

Comment 5:The literature review in the introduction needs to be supplemented by more recent research results (2020-2024).

Response 5:Thank you for pointing this out,we agree with this comment.We have added literature from 2020 to 2024 in the literature review section on pages 2-4, and the added content has been highlighted in red.

 

Comment 6:Make your research aim clear.

Response 6:Thank you for pointing this out.Based on your suggestions, we have refined the title, abstract, and content of the article. Our research aims to mitigate the negative impacts of the "aimless" migrant population and promote the contributions of both the urban-staying and hometown-returning migrant workers towards achieving urban-rural integration in China, within the context of advancing the China’s Strategy for Integrated Urban-Rural Development .In addition, we introduced the purpose and significance of the research in the abstract (Links 23-29), introduction (Links 169-177), and related discussions in 4.2 (links 490-496).The content in these section has been bolded

 

3. Theoretical Basis and Hypothesis.

Comment 7:

Theory of Social Integration

The section does not refer to sources, although migration in the context of social integration theory is discussed quite widely not only in China but also in other countries.

Theory of Life Course

Add Reference source: Link 226 Chen Zhanjiang, Link 234 Yuan Song, Link 242 Jing Xiaofen and other.

Response 7:Thank you for your advice. We would like to point out that we found it challenging to apply social integration theory and life cycle theory to explain the differentiation of migration intention among Chinese rural-urban migrant workers. Consequently, we have reassessed our theoretical foundation and structured our writing framework accordingly. We have chosen the Push-Pull theory and Social Integration theory to separately analyze the endowment characteristics of urban and rural areas that generate "push" and "pull" forces on the migrant worker population. These "push" and "pull" forces either facilitate migrant workers' integration into urban life or discourage them from staying in cities. These modifications are reflected in pages 4-7 of the article, under the section of Theoretical Basis and Hypotheses, and the revised content has been highlighted in red.

 

4. Result Analysis and Related Discussions

Comment 8:The authors mention only briefly of «the 21 cities across seven major regions in China, including East China, South China, North China, Central China, Southwest China, Northwest China, and Northeast China. Give a more detailed economic profile of these cities». Why they were chosen for the survey? Describe it in more detail.

Response 8:Thank you for pointing out.We would like to point out that before the investigation, we conducted rigorous screenings of cities and respondents based on official data and existing research results. Therefore, we can ensure that our selection of cities and research objects is objective. In addition, the screening process of cities and research objects is complex and has little relevance to the main content of the article. Therefore, we have added a brief explanation of this issue in Section 3.1 on page 7(link 324-335), which has been highlighted in red.

 

Comment 9:This section should be renamed the «Conclusion» and rewritten in accordance with the practice of scientific journals -  show theoretical, managerial and policy implications. Summarize what hypotheses you have proved and what novelties you have found.Add in the conclusion of future research.

Response 9:Thank you for your advice. The conclusion of this paper is mainly embodied in the formation mechanism and group characteristics of the willingness differentiation among migrant workers. Therefore, we have retained the fifth part titled "Promotion Strategies" and placed the "Conclusion" section in the second part of Section 4, "Result Analysis and Related Discussions"(link 451). Furthermore, we have changed the original title "Related Discussion" of 4.2 to "Conclusions", where we delve into our research findings.Based on your suggestions, we have embarked on writing the sections of research limitations and future prospects. Since the title and structure of the article have been revised, with the addition of the policy background, our writing of research limitations and future prospects is still in progress. We will complete this part as soon as possible and submit it in the next round of review.

 

5. Improvement Strategies

Comment 10:Add the sources for 2020-2024.Refer to the requirements of the journal

Response 10:Thank you for your advice.We have added literature from 2020 to 2024 in the literature review section on pages 2-4 (links 83-86; 101-107; 130-136; 155-160), with corresponding reference numbers 8, 14, 19, 23, 24, and the added content has been highlighted in red. Additionally, recent years' literature has also been incorporated into the "Conclusions" and "Improvement Strategies" sections (links 544-547).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The following comments still have not been resolved:

- . It is necessary to combine multiple data collection methods, such as in-depth interviews, official statistics, etc., to enhance the reliability and diversity of the data. At the same time, the questionnaire should be rigorously pre-tested and revised to ensure its validity.

- . Further sort out and expand the range of variables of influencing factors to ensure that all key factors that may affect the migration intention of migrant workers are covered. At the same time, in-depth analysis of the interactions and relationships between variables needs to be conducted.

- . It is also necessary to introduce more relevant theories, such as push-pull theory, social capital theory, etc., to build a more comprehensive theoretical framework. At the same time, a more in-depth analysis and discussion of the existing theoretical framework is needed to reveal its limitations and scope of application.

- . In future research, the conditions of inter-city connectivity can be taken into account, which will significantly improve the accuracy and rationality of the research. Please refer to below.

Measuring inter-city connectivity in an urban agglomeration based on multi-source data.

Measuring global multi-scale place connectivity using geotagged social media data.

- . The authors need to adopt more rigorous causal inference methods, such as structural equation models and regression discontinuity, to more accurately reveal the causal relationship between various factors. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the control and elimination of potential interference factors.

- . The paper seldom mentions the process of verifying the analysis model, such as model fitting test, variable significance test, etc. These verifications are important steps to ensure the reliability of the analysis results.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The English language editing service of MDPI should be used.

Author Response

Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Please find the detailed responses below and the corresponding revisions in the re-submitted files.

Comment 1 :It is necessary to combine multiple data collection methods, such as in-depth interviews, official statistics, etc., to enhance the reliability and diversity of the data. At the same time, the questionnaire should be rigorously pre-tested and revised to ensure its validity.

Response 1: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Firstly, we added semi-structured interview data of 10 migrant workers with different migration intentions in the Conclusion Analysis section (starting from line 627) in 4.2; secondly, in the "Return Flow" section, we added the official return data released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China at line 777; thirdly, to ensure the quality of the questionnaire, we added content on questionnaire writing, distribution collection, and quality monitoring in 3.1 (starting from line 408) to ensure the accuracy of the questionnaire questions and results.All the added content has been highlighted in red and the semi-structured interviews are presented in red italic font.

 

Comment 2 :Further sort out and expand the range of variables of influencing factors to ensure that all key factors that may affect the migration intention of migrant workers are covered. At the same time, in-depth analysis of the interactions and relationships between variables needs to be conducted.

Response 2:  Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. According to your suggestion, we have added detailed descriptions of various variable indicators in the Independent Variable section of 3.2.2, and explained the reasons for choosing this question (starting from line 480). The added content has been marked in red. At the same time, the binary logistic regression method used in this study has passed the goodness of fit and the overall chi-square test, which can ensure the reliability of the results in terms of methodology.

 

Comment 3 :It is also necessary to introduce more relevant theories, such as push-pull theory, social capital theory, etc., to build a more comprehensive theoretical framework. At the same time, a more in-depth analysis and discussion of the existing theoretical framework is needed to reveal its limitations and scope of application.

Response 3 :  Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment.Therefore, we have added social capital theory to the original theoretical basis (2.2, line 268), and constructed the theoretical framework of this paper based on the push-pull theory, social capital theory, and social integration theory, and drew a theoretical framework diagram (Figure 1, line 386).

 

Comment 4 :In future research, the conditions of inter-city connectivity can be taken into account, which will significantly improve the accuracy and rationality of the research. Please refer to below.

A)Measuring inter-city connectivity in an urban agglomeration based on multi-source data.

B)Measuring global multi-scale place connectivity using geotagged social media data.

Response 4 :  Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment.Therefore, We have added discussions about urban connectivity on line 151, and these two citations are numbered 27 and 29 in the references respectively. This part of the content and references have been highlighted in red.

 

Comment 5 :The authors need to adopt more rigorous causal inference methods, such as structural equation models and regression discontinuity, to more accurately reveal the causal relationship between various factors. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the control and elimination of potential interference factors.The paper seldom mentions the process of verifying the analysis model, such as model fitting test, variable significance test, etc. These verifications are important steps to ensure the reliability of the analysis results.

Response 5 : Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment.We have carefully studied your suggestions, and I agree that strengthening the control and elimination of potential confounding factors, as you pointed out, is crucial. To exclude other factors that may interfere with the results, we initially introduced a random error term μ during the construction of the model. Additionally, we employed a logarithmic transformation approach early in the modeling process to minimize errors and reduce endogeneity issues, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our research findings.Due to space limitations in the article, we excluded non-significant results, such as the impact of the number of days spent at home on migration willingness. Therefore, all the research findings presented in the article are significant, which can be verified through the Odds Ratio (OR) values. Furthermore, based on your recommendation, we have provided a textual description of the relationship between the independent variables starting from line 480.In future research, I plan to introduce a structural equation model to comprehensively analyze the direct and indirect effects among various factors, following your advice. Additionally, I intend to employ Regression Discontinuity Design to further validate the robustness of causality.

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors have significantly improved the article.

Author Response

Thank you for your comments. In the upcoming revision process, we will strive to make the article more rigorous and in-depth. If you have any other suggestions or opinions, please feel free to communicate with me, and I will respond and make adjustments as soon as possible.We will further improve the manuscript to meet the requirements of the journal.

Round 3

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This revised manuscript has been significantly improved according to the comments from the reviewers. Thank you.