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Do political affiliation and economic wellbeing thwart religious identification in China?

Author

Listed:
  • Gary A. HOOVER

    (Tulane University)

  • Zhengang Xu

    (UnitedHealthcare)

Abstract

While the Chinese government's stated position is to support religious freedom, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is officially atheist. Individuals who profess faith are typically unable to join and members who practice a religion face expulsion and a loss of benefits. This paper analyzes the extent to which the CCP's policies regarding religion may influence religious identification over the life cycle in China. To do so, we contrast changes in religious affiliation before and after retirement for CCP members and non-CCP members. We find a significant increase of religious activities and religious faith in CCP members after retirement – suggesting: (1) people's acknowledgment of religious belief is significantly influenced by CCP regulations and (2) the biggest influence from a material benefits perspective occurs for those CCP members employed in the Chinese government system.

Suggested Citation

  • Gary A. HOOVER & Zhengang Xu, 2025. "Do political affiliation and economic wellbeing thwart religious identification in China?," JODE - Journal of Demographic Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 91(2), pages 299-319, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:ctl:louvde:v:91:y:2025:i:2:p:299-319
    DOI: 10.1017/dem.2024.4
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Chinese religious activities; Chinese communist party; Retirement; Material benefits;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion
    • P31 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - Socialist Enterprises and Their Transitions
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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