The Chinese Hukou System: Reform, Reduction, or Removal

Abstract

The household registration system, also known as the Hukou system, is arguably one of the most significant policies instituted by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the late 1950’s. The Hukou, a family registration system, serves as an internal passport and personal identification throughout the country. It provides different personal information such as name, gender, age, familial information, and “danwei” or work unit. After recent reforms, the usefulness of the Hukou system has come into question. The primary concern of this article is the widespread effects Hukou has on China, and whether reform, reduction or removal of Hukou policy would be most beneficial to the general public, and the state structure.