What is meant by the term "floating population" in the context of China?

The term "floating population" in the context of China refers specifically to the internal movement of people, particularly rural inhabitants, migrating to urban areas in search of employment opportunities. This phenomenon is often seen as a result of China's rapid urbanization and economic reforms, which have led millions of individuals to leave their farms for cities where jobs in manufacturing and service sectors are more abundant.

This floating population typically lacks formal residency status in the cities where they work, which can make them vulnerable to various forms of social and economic instability. They may not have access to the same rights and services as permanent residents, influencing their living conditions and integration into urban society.

While the other options refer to important social aspects, they do not capture the essence of the floating population as defined in Chinese sociological discourse. The floating population is distinct in that it focuses on migration for work rather than merely the lack of permanent residence, demographic characteristics, or engagement in the labor market.