The Role of Family Migration in Child Development: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis Based on Migrant and Non-Migrant Infants and Young Children

Abstract

Based on the survey data of 4,739 infants and young children (IYC) under 3 years old, the study uses the propensity score matching (PSM) method to examine the role of family migration in infant and young child development (IYCD). The study finds that the development of migrant IYC is significantly behind that of non-migrant IYC in the real world situation. After controlling for confounders at the individual and family levels, there is no significant statistical difference in early development between migrant IYC and non-migrant IYC. Moreover, family migration does not play a significant role in IYCD in different subgroups after PSM. To protect the rights of migrant families and IYC in accessing public services, the Chinese government should build a social security policy system for migrant families and ensure starting point fairness for migrant IYC.

Keywords

migrant families / infants and young children (IYC) / early development / propensity score matching (PSM)

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2024 Higher Education Press