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Racial Revolution: Understanding the Resurgence of Ethnic Minority Identity in Modern China

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  • Andrew Francis-Tan

    (National University of Singapore)

  • Zheng Mu

    (National University of Singapore)

Abstract

Chinese ethnic minorities are enjoying an era of resurgence, as their share of the population has risen by 50% from 1964 to 2010. Demographic forces alone cannot account for the rise. In this paper, we describe trends in ethnic minority identification and explore the determinants of identity with emphasis on the One-Child Policy, which raises the incentives to identify as a minority. Using nationally representative census data, we find that the policy significantly increases minority identity. The effects are especially large for persons in households with low socioeconomic status. This paper contributes to research on the history and demography of Chinese ethnic minorities, the impact of fertility policies, and the social construction of ethnoracial identity.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Francis-Tan & Zheng Mu, 2019. "Racial Revolution: Understanding the Resurgence of Ethnic Minority Identity in Modern China," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 38(5), pages 733-769, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:poprpr:v:38:y:2019:i:5:d:10.1007_s11113-019-09543-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s11113-019-09543-0
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