Gender Equality and Adolescent Health in China’s Migration Governance
摘要
This chapter delves into the intersection of gender equality and adolescent well-being within China’s internal migration governance, spotlighting the heightened vulnerabilities migrant adolescents encounter, which are often gender-specific. It posits that sustainable development in China and globally hinges on reshaping migration policies to eradicate the structural inequities causing gender-based health disparities in this group. The chapter uses China’s “floating population” to illustrate the coexistence of rapid economic growth with systemic urban welfare exclusion. It details how migrant adolescents, particularly girls, grapple with psychological distress, substance abuse, and victimization due to fragmented social ties and institutional neglect. Embedded gender norms exacerbate these issues—rural migrant girls suffer disproportionate mental health burdens from familial expectations and restricted autonomy, whereas boys are more prone to delinquency and health risk behaviors. Furthermore, the chapter scrutinizes how China’s migration governance shortcomings intersect with environmental and health inequities. It concludes by contending that China’s case provides valuable insights for global migration governance. It stresses the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive policies that make adolescent health and well-being a key part of sustainable development.