Migration trajectory and social integration of onward migrants from life course perspective

The social integration of migrants not only concerns the process of individual settlement in destination cities but also affects social stability. However, limited research has examined how the spatial and temporal characteristics of migration influence migrants’ social integration. The life course theory posits that individual’s life trajectory is shaped and constrained by historical time and geographical context, offering a critical theoretical lens to address this gap. Drawing on life course theory, this study uses data from the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey to focus on re-migrants and delineate their migration characteristics. The results reveal that the primary migrations predominantly involve upward movement within the urban hierarchy, exhibiting a clear “stepwise” pattern. In contrast, onward migrations show fewer upward movements and a substantially higher proportion of downward movements. Employing generalised structural equation modelling, this study finds that both the spatial and temporal characteristics of first and subsequent migrations significantly affect migrants’ social integration. Specifically, compared to those who consistently moved across cities within the same city tier, individuals who first moved across cities within the same city tier and then upward report the lowest levels of social integration, followed by those who moved continuously upward, and those who moved upward and then downward. This study also confirms that longer durations of stay in either the initial or current destination significantly enhance social integration. Additionally, migrants who moved at a younger age tend to integrate more successfully into their destination cities. Beyond direct effects, the spatial and temporal features of migration also exert indirect impacts on social integration by shaping migrants’ socioeconomic status—including income, occupation, and homeownership—in the destination. Compared to lateral migration, upward movements tend to increase migrants’ opportunities to attain higher incomes in the destination, but it also reduces their likelihood of becoming homeowners and obtaining stable employment. This study further finds that migrants who moved at a younger age or stay longer in destination cities are more likely to achieve higher income levels and become homeowners. These findings deepen the understanding of the relationship between geographic mobility and social mobility, highlighting the importance of spatial and temporal characteristics during the migration process. Furthermore, the findings offer valuable policy guidance for improving migrants’ social integration and advancing the construction of new urbanization.