Integration or Isolation? An Empirical Study of Social Distance between the Migrant Children and Urban Students in Public Schools

Based on the results of the probability sampling survey,this paper analyzes the social distance between the migrant children and urban students in public schools and its affecting factors.The study found that the vast majority of migrant children are in regular exchanges with urban students;they are willing to associate with the urban students and are expected to be accepted by the latter;social distance between two types of students is very small and the inter-generational transmission of social isolation is not obvious.With regard to the affecting factors,academic performance,family economic conditions,the mass media and student activities plan important roles in promoting the social integration of migrant children in urban public schools;while grade,the sense of social exclusion and deprivation hinder their social integration in urban public schools.