Trends in Hukou Intermarriage in Urban China from 1949 to 2008

Yu Wang, University of Wisconsin-Madison

This paper explores trends in Hukou intermarriage in urban China from 1949 to 2008. Using data from the 2008 Chinese General Social Survey, I apply log-linear models to examine the intermarriage between urban Hukou holders and rural migrants living in urban area. The results reveal that Hukou status has exerted a strong influence on marriage pattern over the past 59 years. From 1949 to 1991, the Hukou intermarriage decreased rapidly. From 1992 to 2008, it began to decrease at a slower pace. The decrease was generated by increasing Hukou homogamy. Wife’s educational attainment has a modest effect on couple’s Hukou association. The trend indicates that the boundary between different Hukou status groups has been strengthened with time and intergroup social distance in China has enlarged rather than declined.