The disappearing rural-urban boundary: Rural socioeconomic transformation in the Shenyang-Dalian region of China

Abstract

Since 1978, great socioeconomic changes have been taking place in China's major extended metropolitan regions (EMRs). This paper examines the underlying transformation in the Shenyang-Dalian EMR in north-east China. It reveals a rural-urban convergence by examining the socioeconomic and labour changes in the peri-urban regions. Comparing the income levels and life-styles of the three villages near urban areas, the paper suggests that the EMR settlements are simultaneously rural and urban. It is concluded that the perception of a rigid rural-urban division needs to be challenged.