A city of two tales: Educational gradients of discrimination experiences among internal migrants in Beijing, China

Abstract

Drawing on 127 qualitative in-depth interviews in Beijing, China in 2015, we examine the similarities and differences in discrimination experiences among internal migrants across educational backgrounds. While institutional discrimination remains a significant barrier for both university-educated and lower-educated migrants, findings reveal a salient educational differential in the experiences of social discrimination. The reduction in social discrimination enjoyed by university-educated migrants arises from a shared class identity between them and the locals due to similar cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Moreover, results show a divide among migrants across education and socioeconomic status. In an attempt to distance themselves from their fellows of lower socioeconomic status, university-educated migrants and migrants of higher socioeconomic status turn towards in-group discrimination, based on perceived differentials in skills and entitlements to Beijing's resources. This study highlights the importance of unpacking the nuanced patterns and pathways across educational and socioeconomic heterogeneities in examining migrants' discrimination experiences.