The bounded agency of Chinese rural-to-urban migrants in pursuing future possibilities: implications for social policy and social work practice

ABSTRACT Through the theoretical lens of bounded agency in the life course, this qualitative study explores Chinese rural-to-urban migrants’ experiences in pursuing future possibilities. Based on qualitative interviews with 42 migrants working in three cities of mainland China, the findings show that the participants seemed to regard starting a business as a ‘panacea’ that could ‘cure’ almost all the negative aspects of their lives as manual labourers. However, when discussing how to put this plan into practice, their agency was bounded by their disadvantages in social support, related knowledge and abilities, and entrepreneurial personality. The researchers conclude that it is better to understand doing business as a ‘stimulant’ that can provide migrants a spiritual respite from time to time in their frustrating lives, rather than a ‘panacea’ that can solve their practical problems. Some policy and practice suggestions have also been made to help rural-to-urban migrants achieve a better future.