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The direct and intergenerational behavioural consequences of a socio-political upheaval

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  • Booth, Alison
  • Meng, Xin
  • Fan, Elliott
  • Zhang, Dandan

Abstract

In this paper we investigate the degree to which a major political upheaval can, through personal experience and intergenerational transmission, change behavioural norms. We focus on the 1966–1976 Cultural Revolution (CR), which seriously disrupted many aspects of Chinese society. In particular, we explore how individuals’ behavioural preferences are affected by within-group traumatic events experienced by their parents or grandparents. Using data from a laboratory experiment in conjunction with survey data, we find that individuals with parents or grandparents affected more severely by the CR are less trusting, less trustworthy, and less likely to choose to compete relative to their counterparts whose parents were not mistreated or mistreated at a lesser degree.

Suggested Citation

  • Booth, Alison & Meng, Xin & Fan, Elliott & Zhang, Dandan, 2022. "The direct and intergenerational behavioural consequences of a socio-political upheaval," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 200(C), pages 931-958.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:200:y:2022:i:c:p:931-958
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2022.06.033
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    1. Katharina Werner & Ahmed Skali, 2023. "Violent Conflict and Parochial Trust: Lab-in-the-Field and Survey Evidence," HiCN Working Papers 404, Households in Conflict Network.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Preferences; Behavioural economics; Cultural revolution;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • N4 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation

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