Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2023.2186914
Internet use and rural income inequality: evidence from China
Xin Wei
Xingchen Li
Abstract
The integration of the digital transformation of agriculture and
China’s ‘dual-carbon’ strategy for agriculture is new momentum for
developing agriculture, reducing rural income inequality, and
improving the subjective well-being of farm households. This paper
uses data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2014, 2016,
and 2018 to examine the impact of internet use on rural income
inequality at the household level. The results show that internet use
can significantly reduce rural income inequality by enhancing information
availability and farm households’ nonfarm employment
level. The results of a heterogeneity analysis reveal that the internet
is more conducive to improving the income inequality of rural burdened
families and families in Western China. Further analysis shows
that improving income inequality can enhance the subjective wellbeing
of farmer households. Accelerating the construction of digital
villages, building internet skills cultivation systems, and focusing on
the utility of internet use among vulnerable rural groups can reduce
rural income inequality.
Keywords
Internet use; digital village; rural income inequality; subjective well-being; carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals
Hrčak ID:
321733
URI
Publication date:
8.4.2024.
Visits: 0 *