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Still under the ancestors' shadow? Ancestor worship and family formation in contemporary China

Author

Listed:
  • Anning Hu

    (Fudan University)

  • Felicia Tian

    (Fudan University)

Abstract

Background: Ancestor worship in China used to be an indispensable component of marriage and family life because it fostered an orientation toward perpetuating the family line. However, whether or not ancestor worship still matters in contemporary China is an open question. Objective: This article presents a comprehensive study of the association between ancestor worship practices and 1) the timing of transition to first marriage, 2) the pattern of childbearing, and 3) the orientation toward son preference. Methods: Drawing on the adult sample from the Chinese Family Panel Studies 2010, several multivariate models (Cox proportional hazard model, probit regression model, negative binomial regression models, and ordered probit model) were fitted, corresponding to different types of outcome. Results: All else being equal, involvement in ancestor worship practices is correlated with 1) an early transition to marriage, 2) a larger number of children, 3) a higher probability of having at least one son, and 4) a larger number of sons. Conclusions: The relevance of the kinship tradition to family formation persists in contemporary China and has not faded away. Contribution: By highlighting the demographic implications of ancestor worship, this study illustrates the ongoing connection between culture and demography.

Suggested Citation

  • Anning Hu & Felicia Tian, 2018. "Still under the ancestors' shadow? Ancestor worship and family formation in contemporary China," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 38(1), pages 1-26.
    • Handle: RePEc:dem:demres:v:38:y:2018:i:1
    DOI: 10.4054/DemRes.2018.38.1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Zhang, Lin, 2022. "Patrilineality, fertility, and women's income: Evidence from family lineage in China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    2. Huang, Ruixian & Shi, Yujing & Li, Danyang & Wang, Shuoxiang & Jia, Zhehao, 2024. "Religious atmosphere, seismic impact, and corporate charitable donations in China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    3. Anning Hu & Dongyu Li, 2021. "Are Elders from Ancestor-Worshipping Families Better Supported? An Exploratory Study of Post-reform China," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 40(3), pages 475-498, June.
    4. Wang, Qingfeng, 2018. "Son Preference and Human Capital," MPRA Paper 95411, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 01 Aug 2019.
    5. Du, Shichao, 2023. "(Un)Health from parental intervention: Does the marriage formation pathway influence married people's health?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 336(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ancestor worship; first marriage entry; childbearing; son preference;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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