This book provides a fresh perspective on income growth and inequality in rural China, examining the subject through a dual lens of "opportunity" and "effort." Unlike conventional analyses, it offers a nuanced understanding of how circumstances that lie beyond the control of individuals and efforts proxied by education and migration interact to shape income dynamics in rural China.

The unique approach of this book lies in its integration of macro-level background analysis with micro-level examination of individual behavior, providing a comprehensive understanding of income inequality in rural China. Readers can expect a thorough exploration of policies, economic reforms, and social factors impacting income growth and inequality, along with insights into individual decision-making processes and labor market participation. Intended for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in Chinese rural development, this book offers a rigorous yet accessible analysis suitable for graduate-level students and professionals alike.

Xinjie Shi is an Assistant Professor and Research Fellow at the School of Public Affairs and the China Academy for Rural Development, Zhejiang University. He received his Ph.D. in Economics from the Australian National University. His research interests include agricultural economics and development economics, with a focus on a wide range of social and economic development issues in rural China, such as rural human capital, inequality (of opportunity), rural-urban migration, land conversion, and agricultural production. His work has been published in journals such as the Journal of Health Economics, Health Economics, Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, World Development, and npj Mental Health Research.