(Ecns.cn) – Having escaped from the plight of living in China's giant cities, many runaway migrant workers are now turning around and going back to the bustling metropolises with mixed feelings of love and hate.
The sudden move back is not just a simple phenomenon but reflects quite a few problems that exist with the rapid social development of the country.
Contrary to what these migrant workers had thought before, they failed to live a better life after resettling in their hometown. Most complaints by migrant workers returning home are on having to deal with the inequality caused by not having influential connections or backdoor dealings.
Few economic burdens, more spiritual barrenness
The migrant worker phenomenon emerged in China during the 1980s, as a by-product of the household registration system and the policy of economic reforms. In a broad sense, migrant workers are scattered in different professions, and they may be white-collar workers, blue-collar workers, and rural migrant laborers, to name a few.
In the past, the millions of migrant workers who worked long and hard for low wages and lived temporarily in meager special compounds felt stressed in giant cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Sometimes they could not even make ends meet.
Moreover, portrayed as metropolis outsiders, they generally could not enjoy the rights of permanent citizens because of the hukou system. Even if they were well-paid and had the intention to buy a car or purchase a house, they were unable to do so if they had no hukou.
When giving up everything they had in these cities, most migrant workers were expecting a less burdened, but much more comfortable life in their hometown, because at least they would not have to worry about the housing prices if they lived at home.
But things usually run counter to one's wishes. After tasting such a colorful life in the metropolis, many could not get used to the environment of ease and tranquility in their hometowns. Many returned migrant workers feel as if they are living a dull life because there are few recreational activities for them to choose in their leisure time.
Zeng Jing is one of these returned migrant workers. She is a 26-year-old woman indigenous to Dongguang in South China's Guangdong Province. She has worked in Guangzhou, the province's capital, for years, but chose to go back to her hometown last year. However, she was not happy about the life in her hometown.
Zeng said she missed Guangzhou, especially the various entertainment activities there. She used to love going to concerts at the Guangzhou Xinghai Concert Hall and enjoying different kinds of art exhibitions. But in Dongguan, it is difficult to have these types of experiences.
At a prime marriage age, Zeng also found that most men in Dongguan are far from meeting her requirements. She hardly comes across someone who is open-minded and can give her more perspectives in life.
In the end, Zeng regretted going back to her hometown, and returned to Guangzhou early this October.
