Gender, migration distance, and spousal preferences among migrant workers in China

China is experiencing a decline in marriage and birth rates. However, there is a notable absence of comprehensive research on migrant workers’ marital behaviors, especially with a focus on gender differences. Using survey data collected in 2020, this study sheds light on the interplay among gender, migration distance, and spousal preferences. Key findings reveal that compared with male migrant workers, females in China tend to favor finding spouses in their destination cities. As the migration distance expands, female migrants’ willingness to marry locals diminishes more than that of their male counterparts. Moreover, the study reveals that both male and female migrant workers who own homes in their destination cities find it easier to marry locals. However, the effect of homeownership does not significantly differ between genders, contrary to traditional expectations that men benefit more from property ownership in the marriage market. These results contribute to the broader understanding of marriage behaviors in the context of migration and urbanization in China, challenging established gender norms. Through this, it offers a fresh spatial dimension to gender studies, enriching the existing migration literature.