Date of Award
7-17-2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Philosophy (MPHIL)
Discipline
Social Sciences
Department
Sociology and Social Policy
First Advisor
Prof. KÜHNER Stefan
Second Advisor
Prof. OLIVOS RAVE Francisco Javier
Abstract
While older adult migration in China has received significant attention, the related health research and the pivotal role of social relations have been underexplored. This study, grounded in the theory of the relationship between social capital and health, as well as the social integration theory of migration, examines the associations between social relations and health inequalities under the social structure of Chinese society including socio-economic status, hukou and urban/rural residence.
Methodology: Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2018 survey, three health outcomes are physical function, cognitive function, and mental health. The sample consists of 3,137 migrating seniors (aged 60 and above without local hukou), with an average age of 68.71 (SD=6.54). Multiple linear regression and moderation models were developed to examine the associations between income, hukou, and residence on health, and the moderating roles of social capital and social integration.
Results: Health inequalities based on structural factors varied across physical function, cognitive function, and mental health. Higher income and urban residence were associated with better outcomes in all three health domains, while hukou was associated with cognitive function only. Social capital exhibited category-specific variances in relation to health disparities. Bonding social capital buffered all three health inequalities associated with structural factors. Bridging social capital buffered only mental health disparities, while linking social capital buffered only physical function inequalities. Social integration only buffered disparities in physical function related to structural factors, but behavioral integration somewhat exacerbated inequalities in physical function between urban and rural areas.
Conclusion: This study explored the association between structural factors, social capital and social integration, and provide some new empirical evidence in Chinese older migrants. It extended the study of health inequalities from traditional comparisons across groups (e.g., migrant vs. local) to comparisons within the same group (e.g., among migrating seniors) as well as conducted a comprehensive examination of China's social structures (SES, hukou, residence), and the connections between them. Furthermore, this study examined the buffering effect of social capital on health inequalities and the differences between the different types and enriched definition and measurement of social capital in the Chinese context. For policy implication, this study could help to understand which specific social structural factors affect the health of migrating seniors, identify subgroups at high health risk, and develop more precise policies from a social capital perspective.
Keywords
Health inequalities, old-age migration, social capital, social integration, buffering effect
Language
English
Copyright
The copyright of this thesis is owned by its author. Any reproduction, adaptation, distribution or dissemination of this thesis without express authorization is strictly prohibited.
Recommended Citation
Chen, A. (2024). The impact of social-structural factors on the health of migrating older people in China: Testing the buffering effect of social capital and social integration (Master's thesis, Lingnan University, Hong Kong). Retrieved from https://commons.ln.edu.hk/otd/207/
Included in
Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Gerontology Commons, Medicine and Health Commons