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Climbing the social ladder: Clans and intergenerational mobility in China

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  • Zhao, Shuai
  • Hou, Linke

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the relationship between clans as informal institutions and upward intergenerational transmission of human capital. Using detailed father-child pairs from China, we find individuals residing in areas with stronger clans have higher probability for moving upward the social ladder. A one standard deviation increase in the number of genealogies per 10,000 people (logged) could raise the probability for moving upward the social ladder by 2.26 %. The results are further confirmed by using the distance of each prefecture's centroid to the nearest Zhu Xi academy in the Song Dynasty as an instrumental variable. In addition, informal financing within clans, legacy of prioritizing education and extensive networks of social connections based on kinship networks are three main mechanisms. Finally, daughters who lack financial investment with their schooling and job prospects in small families are more likely to benefit more from resource pooling services within clans, thereby increasing their chances for moving up the social ladder.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhao, Shuai & Hou, Linke, 2025. "Climbing the social ladder: Clans and intergenerational mobility in China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(PC).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:chieco:v:94:y:2025:i:pc:s1043951x25002561
    DOI: 10.1016/j.chieco.2025.102598
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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