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  Hukou System: The Practical Significance and Impact of a Shanghai Hukou"

Introduction:

Hello, everyone, and welcome to today’s discussion. In this video, we will delve into China's Hukou system, focusing specifically on the practical significance and impact of having a Shanghai Hukou in modern life.

Background Introduction: First, let's take a look back at the history of the Hukou system. This system has a long history in China, with similar population registration systems existing even in ancient times. However, the modern Hukou system as we know it was established in the late 1950s, following the establishment of the People's Republic of China and the socialist economic system. In 1958, the Chinese government officially implemented the Hukou system, dividing the population into agricultural (rural) and non-agricultural (urban) households, aimed at effectively managing population movement, particularly controlling rural to urban migration.

Government's Purpose: The implementation of this system was intended to control the speed of urbanization, ensure the rational distribution of agricultural and industrial labor forces, and maintain social order and stability.

Impact on Rural and Urban Populations: This system has had significant impacts on both rural and urban populations. Rural populations have difficulty obtaining urban Hukou, limiting their ability to move to and work in cities and putting them at a disadvantage in accessing education, medical care, and employment opportunities. On the other hand, urban Hukou holders enjoy better public services and social welfare.

The Hukou system does not only differentiate between urban and rural Hukou; there is also a significant difference between Hukous from different cities.

Now, let's examine the specific impacts of different Hukou statuses in Shanghai.

Child Education: In Shanghai, schools do not restrict or require specific qualifications for children with a Shanghai Hukou. Children with non-local Hukou need their parents to hold a long-term residence permit, and continuous social security payments are required.

Compulsory Education Stage: Public schools enroll students based on priority, with Hukou being the most important factor. Most parents want their children to attend good public schools, and having a Shanghai Hukou significantly increases the chances of successful enrollment.

Middle School Entrance Exam (Zhongkao): To take the Zhongkao in Shanghai without a Shanghai Hukou, one must accumulate 120 residence permit points for their children to enter high school in Shanghai.

College Entrance Exam (Gaokao): Only students who have taken the Zhongkao in Shanghai can take the Gaokao there.

Housing Eligibility: For workers with a Shanghai Hukou, singles can buy one property, and married couples can buy two. Non-local Hukou holders must pay social security for five years to be eligible to buy property, with restrictions on singles and married couples limited to one property. Besides buying property, those with a Shanghai Hukou can also apply for economically affordable housing, a privilege not available to non-local Hukou holders.

Medical Resources: Shanghai Hukou holders can enjoy regular medical insurance and local medical insurance with partial reimbursement. However, non-local Hukou holders without a social security card have to pay full medical expenses. Shanghai Hukou holders can handle their social security, and children can apply for child medical insurance, while non-local Hukou holders can only handle social security through their company, and children must be enrolled in kindergarten or school to handle child medical insurance in Shanghai.

Employment: Most state-owned enterprises, government institutions, and foreign companies in Shanghai prefer to hire candidates with a Shanghai Hukou, especially for high-level or well-paid positions. Having a Shanghai Hukou implies stability for the candidate, helping companies mitigate certain risks.

Other Benefits:

1. License Plate Auction: Shanghai Hukou holders are eligible to bid for Shanghai license plates.
2. Elderly Care: The Shanghai elderly care system is well-developed, but nursing homes prioritize families with Shanghai Hukou.
3. Administrative Procedures: Even with a residence permit, the processing time for certain procedures is much longer for non-local Hukou holders, far less convenient than for those with a Shanghai Hukou.

Conclusion: Moreover, the importance of a Shanghai Hukou is also evident in eliminating uncertainties such as policy changes. As policies change with the environment, and with the increasing influx of non-local populations into Shanghai, there might be future increases in living thresholds for non-local people, prioritizing the livelihood and work of locals. Having a Shanghai Hukou eliminates this uncertainty.