China's Citizenship Challenge: Labour Ngos and the Struggle for Migrant Workers' Rights

China's citizenship challenge tells the story of labor NGOs contesting migrant workers' citizenship marginalization in China by transforming their social and political participation, broadening their access to labor and rights, and reinventing their relationship to the city. This book offers a valuable contribution to labor movement studies in China and is particularly timely in the context of the state's repression of these organizations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2021
Publisher: Manchester University Press

China's Citizenship Challenge: Contesting Migrant Workers' Marginalization

China's Citizenship Challenge delves into the compelling narrative of how labor NGOs actively challenge the marginalization of migrant workers within the country. Through a comprehensive analysis, the book makes a compelling argument that in order to effectively address the challenges faced by these vulnerable workers, labor NGOs must embark on a transformative journey known as the citizenship challenge. This entails the empowerment of migrant workers to participate more fully in public life, the expansion of their access to labor and other rights, and the reimagining of their relationship with the city.

By framing the activism of labor NGOs in terms of citizenship rather than class struggle, the book offers a valuable contribution to the field of labor movement studies in China. Moreover, its timeliness is particularly noteworthy, considering the state's recent repression of these organizations, largely driven by their citizenship-altering activism.

The Citizenship Challenge encompasses a multifaceted approach, encompassing various strategies and initiatives aimed at promoting the rights and well-being of migrant workers. One key aspect is the advocacy for legal reforms that enhance the citizenship status of migrant workers, including the recognition of their rights to social security, healthcare, and education. Labor NGOs also play a crucial role in raising awareness about the rights and protections available to migrant workers, empowering them to assert their rights and seek redress when necessary.

Furthermore, citizenship challenge involves fostering social and political participation among migrant workers. Labor NGOs organize workshops, training sessions, and community events to empower migrant workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in public discourse, participate in decision-making processes, and advocate for their rights. By building a strong sense of community and solidarity among migrant workers, these organizations aim to challenge the dominant narratives and stereotypes that often marginalize them.

In addition to legal and social advocacy, citizenship challenge also involves the broader transformation of urban spaces and infrastructure. Labor NGOs work closely with local governments and community organizations to improve the living conditions of migrant workers, including access to affordable housing, safe working environments, and quality public services. By advocating for inclusive and sustainable urban development, these organizations seek to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

The book's findings and recommendations offer valuable insights for policymakers, activists, and scholars interested in understanding the dynamics of labor migration and the role of labor NGOs in promoting social justice and human rights. By recognizing the citizenship rights of migrant workers and empowering them to participate fully in public life, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.

In conclusion, China's Citizenship Challenge serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of labor NGOs in the face of adversity. Through their tireless efforts to challenge migrant workers' marginalization, these organizations have played a crucial role in promoting social justice and human rights in China. By framing the activism in terms of citizenship rather than class struggle, the book offers a valuable contribution to the field of labor movement studies and provides a roadmap for building a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 146 x 224 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526153999