This book explores the evolving dynamics of China's urban labor market and social hierarchies over four decades of economic reform, offering a systematic analysis of structural shifts and their societal impacts.

It begins with an overview of the key drivers that are reshaping Chinese society. This is followed by three thematic sections. Part One examines the decline of traditional systems, such as Hukou (household registration) and Danwei (work unit), revealing their diminishing role in labor market differentiation. Part Two analyzes emerging divisions and labor market segmentation via comparative and longitudinal evidence. Part Three focuses on employment disparities among college graduates and their implications for social mobility. Combining authoritative survey data from leading Chinese institutions with rigorous quantitative methods, this study bridges historical context and contemporary trends to unravel the complexities of urban stratification.

This book is essential for scholars of sociology, labor economics, and Chinese studies. It also serves as a resource for policymakers, librarians, and general readers interested in China's socioeconomic transformation.

Li Jun is Professor and Director of the Institute of Sociology at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, specializing in contemporary Chinese society, social stratification, urban sociology, and labor sociology.