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The purpose of this paper is to test if the digital economy improves the quality of life of our residents. Furthermore, if this finding is confirmed, what would be the mechanism behind its effect? Does the impact of the digital economy on quality of life vary according to its level of development?

A comprehensive index of the digital economy, income gap and quality of life was constructed empirically based on data from 220 cities in China from 2011–2020. A multi-dimensional empirical analysis was conducted in this paper.

The analysis of the pathways of action shows that narrowing the income gap is an important mechanism through which the digital economy actively contributes to the quality of life. The results of the threshold model show that the “marginal effect” of the digital economy on quality of life is non-linear and increasing. The results show that after a series of robustness tests, including instrumental variables, the digital economy still significantly enhances people’s quality of life.

This paper reveals the intrinsic link between the digital economy and quality of life and provides a theoretical basis for further improving people’s well-being.

Encouraging the development of the digital economy is a useful way to improve the quality of life by narrowing the income gap.

Data analysis of the digital economy from 2011–2020 in China to get an insight into what would be the mechanism behind the digital economy improving the quality of life of our residents.

This study aims to estimate the synergy effect of agricultural dual-scale management (ADM) on farmers' total household income, its heterogeneous effects and its mechanisms.

This study constructs a theoretical analysis framework based on the division of labor and synergy theory, empirically assesses the impact of ADM on farmers' income, and further discusses the heterogeneity and mechanisms using the propensity score matching (PSM) and quantile treatment effect (QTE) models. Data is collected from 1,076 households across 4 cities in Liaoning Province of China in 2021.

ADM can improve the total household income of farmers, and the impact force is greater than that of the single-scale management mode. ADM is more conducive to improving the income of farmers with low income and low labor endowment. Moreover, ADM can improve agriculture production efficiency, increase net grain production income. Nevertheless, it has no significant effect on farmers' off-farm employment income.

Previous studies have mainly focused on the income effect of land scale management or service scale management. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to identify the synergy effect of ADM on farmers' income in China. It provides new insights into the process of agricultural production and management mode transitions in rural China.

The aim of this study is to discern the role of digital finance in driving rural industrial integration and revitalization. Specifically, it intends to shed light on how the deep development of digital finance can contribute to the optimization and transformation of the rural industrial structure. The research further explores the particular effects of this financial transformation in the central and western regions of China.

This research studies the influence of digital finance on rural industrial integration across 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2020. Utilizing the entropy weight method, a comprehensive evaluation index system is established to gauge the level of rural industrial integration. A two-way fixed effects model, intermediary effect model, and threshold effect model are employed to decipher the relationship between digital finance and rural industrial integration.

Findings reveal a positive relationship between digital finance and rural industrial integration. A single threshold feature was identified: beyond a traditional finance development level, the marginal effect of digital finance on rural industrial integration increases. These effects are more noticeable in central and western regions.

Empirical outcomes contribute to policy discourse on rural digital finance, assisting policymakers in crafting effective strategies. Understanding the threshold of traditional finance development provides a new perspective on the potential of digital finance to drive rural industrial integration.

Redistributive policies aim to reduce income disparities and improve social equity. This study investigates whether redistributive effects that successfully diminish objective income inequality also effectively alter people’s perceptions of inequality.

Utilizing data from the 2018 China Household Income Survey (CHIP), comprising 56,167 individuals, this study applies ordered probability regression (Oprobit) and ordinary least squares (OLS) for analysis. To address potential biases in estimates, we employed the generalized propensity score matching (GPSM) method to estimate the treatment effect of transfer income on perceptions of inequality.

The results indicate that while China’s redistribution policies effectively reduce income disparities, they do not improve perceptions of inequality. Individuals exhibit biased attitudes toward redistributive policies. Specifically, perceptions of inequality are insensitive to the overall redistributive effect; the relationship is negative among the poor but positive among the rich. This contradictory pattern may be attributed to perceived income losses among the rich and gains among the poor.

The findings have important implications for policy development. Redistribution policies should not only aim to mitigate income disparities but also address and improve people’s perceptions of inequality.

Existing literature has largely overlooked the impact of redistribution on perceived income inequality. This study represents an early effort to explore whether redistributive policies that reduce income inequality also influence people’s perceptions of inequality.

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the knowledge evolution process, research hotspots and future trends in the inclusive tourism research literature from 2008 to 2023.

A total of 322 papers on inclusive tourism were selected from the core collection database of Web of Science and analyzed using CiteSpace.

Over the 16-year period between 2008 and 2023 an increasing number of studies have been published concerning inclusive tourism, but the overall base is still small. Among institutions, the Massey University and University of Gothenburg take the lead in international research on inclusive tourism. Country cooperation shifted from UK-centered in 2008 to Australia, US and Spain from 2010, expanded to more nations and recently increased with China, Japan and others. The essence of inclusive tourism is inherently linked to societal and generational development, necessitating the elimination of social exclusion and inequality to achieve sustainability. The research on inclusive tourism has undergone three stages, emphasizing tourism producers, consumers and stakeholder relationships respectively. “Employment”, “sustainable development” and “quality of life” possess the potential to emerge as future research hotspots.

By combining literature on inclusive tourism and other overlapping concepts, CiteSpace was used to construct data and network visualizations, including a burst and dynamic analysis for the period covered by the sample. The conclusions offer researchers insights into the existing body of work in inclusive tourism research and suggest directions for future research. In practice, tourism managers can gain a deeper understanding of the needs and limitations of marginalized groups in tourism, allowing them to offer more tailored products for inclusive tourism and further enhance the development of an inclusive tourism environment.

旨在揭示2008年到2023年包容性旅游研究文献的知识演变过程、研究热点和未来趋势。

从Web of Science的核心数据库中筛选322篇有关包容性旅游的文章, 并使用CiteSpace进行分析。

2008年至2023年的16年间, 发表的有关包容性旅游的研究越来越多, 但总体基数仍然较小。梅西大学和哥德堡大学在国际包容性旅游研究方面处于领先地位。国家合作从2008年的以英国为中心转向2010年的澳大利亚、美国和西班牙, 并扩展到更多国家, 最近又增加了与中国、日本和其他国家的合作。包容性旅游的本质与社会和代际发展有着内在联系, 必须消除社会排斥和不平等, 才能实现可持续发展。包容性旅游的研究经历了三个阶段, 分别强调旅游生产者、消费者和利益相关者的关系。“就业”、“可持续发展”和 “生活质量”有可能成为未来的研究热点。

结合包容性旅游和其他重叠概念的文献, 利用CiteSpace构建了数据和网络可视化, 包括对样本覆盖时期的突发和动态分析。结论为研究人员提供了对包容性旅游研究现有成果的见解, 并提出了未来研究的方向。实践上, 旅游管理者可以更深入地了解旅游中边缘化群体的需求和局限性, 从而为包容性旅游提供更多量身定制的产品, 进一步促进包容性旅游环境的发展。

El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar el proceso de evolución del conocimiento, los temas destacados de investigación y las tendencias futuras en la literatura de investigación sobre turismo inclusivo desde 2008 hasta 2023.

Se seleccionó un total de 322 artículos sobre turismo inclusivo de la base de datos de la colección principal de Web of Science (WoS) y se analizaron utilizando CiteSpace.

En el periodo de 16 años comprendido entre 2008 y 2023 se han publicado cada vez más estudios sobre turismo inclusivo, pero la base global sigue siendo pequeña. Entre las instituciones, la Universidad de Massey y la Universidad de Gotemburgo encabezan la investigación internacional sobre turismo inclusivo. La cooperación entre países pasó de estar centrada en el Reino Unido en 2008 a Australia, EE. UU. y España a partir de 2010, ampliándose a más naciones y, recientemente, ha aumentado con China, Japón y otros países. La esencia del turismo inclusivo está intrínsecamente ligada al desarrollo social y generacional, que requiere la eliminación de la exclusión social y la desigualdad para lograr la sostenibilidad. La investigación sobre el turismo inclusivo ha pasado por tres etapas, haciendo hincapié en los productores turísticos, los consumidores y las relaciones con las partes interesadas, respectivamente. El “empleo”, el “desarrollo sostenible” y la “calidad de vida” poseen el potencial para emerger como futuros focos de investigación.

A partir de la integración de la literatura sobre turismo inclusivo y otros conceptos superpuestos, se utilizó CiteSpace para visualizar los datos y redes, incluido análisis de ráfagas y dinámico para el periodo muestral. Las conclusiones ofrecen a los investigadores una visión de las contribuciones académicas en turismo inclusivo y sugieren direcciones para futuras investigaciones. En la práctica, los gestores turísticos pueden adquirir un conocimiento más profundo de las necesidades y limitaciones de los grupos marginados en turismo, permitiéndoles ofrecer productos más adaptados al turismo inclusivo y seguir mejorando el desarrollo de un entorno turístico inclusivo.

This study aims to explore the spatial impact of an increase in the minimum wage on the labor productivity of star-rated hotels in China.

The impact is analyzed by using the dynamic spatial Durbin model.

The authors find a U-shaped link between the increase in minimum wage and labor productivity of star-rated hotels. The long-term impact of a minimum wage increase has a greater influence on labor productivity than its short-term effects. While there is no notable spatial spillover impact observed in the sample of 31 provinces in China, the authors do identify a spatial spillover effect of the minimum wage rises on the labor productivity of star-rated hotels in the central area. Furthermore, they observe heterogeneity across China. The eastern and western regions exhibit a U-shaped relationship, whereas the central region exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship.

The findings of this study allow government agencies to get a more comprehensive comprehension of the actual consequences of minimum wage hikes on the tourism and hospitality sector, thereby establishing a solid basis for them to develop appropriate policies. Moreover, it offers a variety of suggestions aimed at enhancing the quality and efficiency of hotel management.

Research on the effects of minimum wage standards is scant in the hospitality industry. Based on human capital investment theory, this study examines the effect of the minimum wage standard hikes on labor productivity of star-rated hotels from the spatial perspective, filling the existing research gap.

This article challenges the prevailing view that a minimum income for the poor is only relevant to basic needs. It contributes to the discussion on the meanings of money by specifically focusing on the Italian Citizenship Income scheme as a case study.

A qualitative research design was developed and implemented in four regions of northern Italy. The analysis is based on 131 in-depth interviews with minimum income recipients.

The empirical analysis shows that money transfer has various meanings. Four dimensions are identified: functional, relational, protective, and emancipatory. The first two are connected to spending, while the latter two are related to self-identity. Although the four dimensions may overlap and coexist in the daily lives of minimum income beneficiaries, they are distinguished for analytical purposes.

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the multiple meanings that minimum income can have for beneficiaries; meanings which are often not explicitly addressed in social policy studies. It goes beyond the equally important consideration of material needs by adding other meaningful aspects. This approach makes a different way of looking at cash transfers possible, and it provides elements useful for the design and analysis of minimum income policies.

With the help of a quasi-natural experiment on Chinese policies, this study aims to understand the actual contribution of Smart City (SC) policies to the development of information and communications technology (ICT) in different cities. It also discusses the social and digital differences that such policies may generate, with a particular focus on the potential for exacerbating urban inequalities.

To achieve this, the study employs a principal component analysis (PCA) to develop an ICT development indicator system. It then employs a difference-in-differences (DID) model to analyze panel data from 209 Chinese cities over the period from 2007 to 2019, examining the impact of SC policies on ICT development across various urban settings.

Our findings show that SC policies have significantly contributed to the enhancement of ICT development, especially in ICT usage. However, SC policies may inadvertently reinforce developmental disparities among cities. Compared to less developed areas, the benefits of SC policies are more pronounced in economically booming cities. This is likely due to the agglomeration of the ICT industry and the strong allure of developed urban centers for high-caliber talent.

This study contributes to the related literature by explaining the role of SC policies in driving ICT development and by focusing on the often-overlooked impact of SC policies on urban inequality. These findings can provide guidance to policymakers on the need to recognize and address existing urban inequalities.

This study examines why low-wealth women entrepreneurs forgo mobile enabled money services and government supported micro finance for informal, community-based revolving loans in rural Nigeria.

Thematic analysis of 25 interviews with women in rural, south-west Nigeria. Entrepreneurial ecosystem theory, in the gendered context of micro finance and community-based lending, is employed.

This study explains the paradox of forgoing seemingly accessible mobile enabled credit, and formal credit schemes (e.g. micro-finance programs) for informal, one-on-one borrowing. Convenience and trust-based relationships with respected community members ease the burden of time scarcity and vulnerability associated with formal capital. Flexible terms, autonomy, self-reliance and knowing who one is dealing with make Esusu a preferred source of finance. Findings are discussed in the context of gendered entrepreneurial ecosystems in which participants conduct business.

The sample is not representative of women entrepreneurs in rural Nigeria. Survivorship bias is acknowledged. Further research is needed on the psychological risks of informal capital and the benefits of community-based lending.

Measures to scale mobile enabled credit, without commensurate interventions to address time management and other structural issues that confront women traders, limit their utility and impacts. Power differentials between women traders and lenders must also be considered in the design of lending products. Training of women traders and formal lenders should incorporate curricula about gender gaps in capital markets and systematic gender challenges to support entrepreneurs who seek to grow beyond subsistence enterprises.

This study documents decision criteria that motivate informal rural women traders to employ community-based revolving credit or Esusu. Findings inform measures to increase women entrepreneurs' access to capital in a rural sub-Saharan Africa contexts.

Studies on developed economies showed that imposing taxes on animal-based foods could effectively reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions (AGHGEs), while this taxation may not be appropriate in developing countries due to the complex nutritional status across income classes. Hence, this study aims to explore optimal tax rate levels considering both emission reduction and nutrient intake, and examine the heterogenous effects of taxation across various income classes in urban and rural China.

The authors estimated the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System model to calculate the price elasticities for eight food groups, and performed three simulations to explore the relative optimal tax regions via the relationships between effective animal protein intake loss and AGHGE reduction by taxes.

The results showed that the optimal tax rate bands can be found, depending on the reference levels of animal protein intake. Designing taxes on beef, mutton and pork could be a preliminary option for reducing AGHGEs in China, but subsidy policy should be designed for low-income populations at the same time. Generally, urban residents have more potential to reduce AGHGEs than rural residents, and higher income classes reduce more AGHGEs than lower income classes.

This study fills the gap in the literature by developing the methods to design taxes on animal-based foods from the perspectives of both nutrient intake and emission reduction. This methodology can also be applied to analyze food taxes and GHGE issues in other developing countries.