From Migrant Workers to New Urban Migrants: A Concept and An Approach

After reviewing domestic and foreign studies of population migration, this paper analyzes the background of formation of migrant workers and its limitations from the perspective of the urban-rural dual structure. The researchers attempt to transform approaches of Chinese migration research with the concept of new. urban migrant. Then get out of the idea of urban-rural dual opposition, and regard migration as an approach to social development. This paper also points out that researchers give priority to urban social reconstruction triggered by new urban migrants through social integration, which would result in the decomposition of the urbanrural dual structure, and eventually realize a harmonious urban-rural society. On this basis, this paper discusses the theoretical and strategic significance of the research approach of "new urban migrant".