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The Long-term effect of social disasters on stock market participation

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  • Cai, Yang
  • Chen, Shuo
  • Li, Dongxu

Abstract

This study examines the long-term impact of social disaster experiences on household finance. Using the Cultural Revolution in China, the country's most pronounced sociopolitical turmoil that completely disrupted millions of people's lives, we show that households are more likely to participate in the stock market if their eldest member was more exposed to the turmoil. The results remain robust to alternative historical events, socioeconomic factors, and household characteristics. Survey results suggest that the more exposed individuals invest in the stock market because they perceive stocks as low risk rather than have altered risk preferences or trust in stock markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Cai, Yang & Chen, Shuo & Li, Dongxu, 2025. "The Long-term effect of social disasters on stock market participation," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:corfin:v:93:y:2025:i:c:s0929119925000677
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2025.102799
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    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • P36 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - Consumer Economics; Health; Education and Training; Welfare, Income, Wealth, and Poverty
    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • G41 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets

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