The development of egalitarianism: evidence from children and adults in China

Yexin Zhou (), Chenle Li (), Björn Vollan (), Juan He () and Chenghua Guan ()
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Yexin Zhou: Beijing Normal University
Chenle Li: University of International Business and Economics
Björn Vollan: Philipps-Universität Marburg
Juan He: Beijing Normal University
Chenghua Guan: Beijing Normal University

Social Choice and Welfare, 2025, vol. 64, issue 4, No 5, 819-855

Abstract: Abstract This study examines the development of other-regarding preferences (ORPs) over a life cycle and social factors that may shape preferences. The 2325 subjects were recruited from grade schools and a random household survey in China, ranging from 6 to 70 years old. We find that among children, 8–9 year-olds exhibit the highest proportion of egalitarians and the lowest proportion of altruists. Among adults, the proportion of egalitarians decreases while the share of altruists increases with age. Children and adults show consistent gender patterns, as females are more likely to be egalitarians and males are more likely to be altruists. Socio-demographic characteristics, such as gender and income, partly explain variations in adults’ ORPs. While outlining the general trajectory of egalitarian and altruist preferences across the life cycle, we also discuss potential epoch effects arising from significant social changes in China, such as the Great Cultural Revolution and the One-Child Policy.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s00355-024-01548-9

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