The reshaping of social relations: Resettled rural residents in Zhenjiang, China

Under the banner of integrated urban-rural development in China, increasingly more rural population is being concentrated into large, new residential areas. For resettled residents, the rural-urban transition is rapid and affects multiple facets of their lives. This paper explores the effects of the transition on residents' social relations, drawing on the experience of resettled villagers in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province. It addresses three research questions. First, how are such effects manifested in residents' social interactions and sources of social support? Second, how are these effects vary by socioeconomic attributes of residents? Third, in what ways have residents deployed the spaces of social interaction to enhance their own wellbeing? We show that for resettled rural residents, both the scope and composition of social relations have widened. In particular, those with higher income, increased household assets, or workplace located within the neighborhood are experiencing larger scope of social relations and more diverse subjects of interaction. Our analysis also points to less desirable consequences, as reflected in limited social engagement by residents with fewer financial resources and employment options.