TITLE:
The Human Capital Pricing Logic and Urban Competition Mechanisms of the Points-Based Household Registration System: A Comparative Analysis of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen
AUTHORS:
Yifan Wu, Yuehan Guo
KEYWORDS:
Points-Based Household Registration (Hukou), Hukou System Reform, Human Capital Pricing, Urban Competition, Institutional Text Analysis
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.14 No.3,
March
19,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze the indicator design and value orientation of the points-based household registration (hukou) systems in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, and to reveal their human capital selection logic and urban competition mechanisms. Methods: Based on human capital theory and urban competition theory, this study constructs an analytical framework of “institutional functions-indicator structure-value orientation” and adopts institutional text analysis and comparative policy analysis to compare the points-based hukou policies of the four cities. Results: The points systems of all four cities are built around education, skills, tax contribution, and social insurance, reflecting a clear orientation toward human capital valuation, but their weighting structures and policy types differ: Beijing and Shenzhen primarily adopt points-based hukou settlement pathways (outcome: hukou acquisition), while Shanghai operates a residence-permit points system (outcome: eligibility for residency benefits with hukou conversion as a secondary pathway); Guangzhou combines both approaches. Beijing places greater emphasis on educational credentials, Shanghai on market contribution and taxpaying capacity, while Guangzhou and Shenzhen give more weight to skills and industrial orientation, with Shenzhen providing stronger incentives for innovation and entrepreneurship. The points-based hukou system has shifted from an identity-management tool to a population governance instrument serving urban development strategies. Conclusion: The points-based hukou system is essentially an institutionalized human capital pricing mechanism. It helps enhance urban competitiveness and optimize population structure, but also creates tensions between efficiency and equity, highlighting the need to improve policy fairness and inclusiveness.