Beyond Economic Growth: Rural–Urban Integration and Citizens' Perceptions of Social Justice in China

Can integrating rural and urban systems foster a stronger sense of justice in society? Since 2002, China has advanced rural–urban integration to promote balanced development and reduce inequality. However, its impact on how citizens perceive social justice remains underexplored. Using survey data from 28 provinces, this study examines how three dimensions of rural and urban integration—economic, quality of life, and social development—relate to perceived social justice. The findings reveal a striking contrast: while integration in social development is positively associated with perceptions of justice, integration in the economic and quality of life domains is negatively associated. Further analysis suggests that economic integration has failed to deliver equitable income distribution (result justice), which may contribute to public dissatisfaction. In contrast, integration in social development has enhanced both welfare provision (result justice) and social mobility (opportunity justice), improving individuals' perceptions of fairness. These findings suggest that although rural and urban integration has the potential to enhance perceptions of justice, its impact differs across reform domains. Promoting inclusive social development, particularly through welfare provision and reforms that improve social mobility, may be essential to fostering a fairer society during China's ongoing transition.