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Youth reeducated: The economic preference impacts of China’s sent-down movement

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  • Ball, Sheryl
  • Ge, Suqin
  • Smith, Alec
  • Wang, Wei
  • Zhang, Xiaomeng

Abstract

We survey Chinese adults, many of whom experienced the sent-down movement as adolescents, to identify the impact of forced rustication on economic preferences and attitudes. To distinguish the effect of being sent down from the effects of confounding factors correlated with the likelihood of being sent down and the duration of stay, we exploit a discontinuity in the probability of being sent down resulting from the unanticipated termination of the movement. We find that individuals who were sent down are more risk averse, more altruistic, and more likely to return the kindness of others. They are also less likely to support redistribution policies or trust the government.

Suggested Citation

  • Ball, Sheryl & Ge, Suqin & Smith, Alec & Wang, Wei & Zhang, Xiaomeng, 2026. "Youth reeducated: The economic preference impacts of China’s sent-down movement," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 244(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:244:y:2026:i:c:s016726812600082x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2026.107496
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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