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From rural to urban: Clan, urbanization and trust

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  • Chen, Na
  • Yang, Huan

Abstract

This study explores the persistence and transformation of culture amidst a critical economic process in China today, known as urbanization. Based on the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey (CLDS), we find that the clan, a central mechanism used to sustain cooperation in China's rural society, continues to impact trust traits amidst the ongoing urbanization process. Respondents from regions with a history of high clan density report higher levels of limited trust toward families, lower levels of generalized trust toward strangers, and a significant trust gap between these two. Nevertheless, the urbanization process is gradually mitigating the effect of clans on trust traits by driving the population from villages, providing public services to citizens, and promoting cooperation among strangers.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Na & Yang, Huan, 2024. "From rural to urban: Clan, urbanization and trust," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:chieco:v:85:y:2024:i:c:s1043951x24000610
    DOI: 10.1016/j.chieco.2024.102172
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Clan; Urbanization; Trust; Cultural persistence; Cultural transformation; Social capital;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • N95 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History - - - Asia including Middle East

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