The Paradox of Progress: Modernization, Shifting Values, and the Persistence of Authoritarianism in China
Hsin‐Che Wu
Social Science Quarterly, 2025, vol. 106, issue 3
Abstract:
Objective This study examines the evolving relationship between modernization, shifting value orientations, and political attitudes in China, with a focus on generational differences. Methods The study employed data from the Asia Barometer Survey (2011–2019) and used Prof. Hu Fu's pro‐democratic value framework to analyze democratic values. Results The findings reveal that although younger generations demonstrate increased support for certain liberal democratic values, their overall orientation remains more consistent with the modern authoritarian values endorsed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The study further shows that the CCP's control over public discourse and selective promotion of specific values significantly shapes political attitudes across generations. Conclusion Despite notable economic development and generational shifts, the CCP continues to dominate the narrative on value change in China. This persistent control has not only stabilized the current political system but also limited the country's potential transition toward a liberal democratic regime.
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:
Downloads: (external link)
https://doi.org/10.1111/ssqu.70022
Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.
Export reference: BibTeX
RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan)
HTML/Text
Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bla:socsci:v:106:y:2025:i:3:n:e70022
Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.blackwell ... bs.asp?ref=0038-4941
Access Statistics for this article
Social Science Quarterly is currently edited by Robert L. Lineberry
More articles in Social Science Quarterly from Southwestern Social Science Association
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Wiley Content Delivery ().