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Impact of religious cultural similarity on internal migration: a regional perspective in contemporary China

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Listed:
  • Shukai Liu

    (Nanjing University)

  • Zhe Chen

    (Nanjing University)

  • Wen Ma

    (Nanjing University)

  • Zhuo Chen

    (Nanjing University)

  • Yunsong Chen

    (Nanjing University
    Nanjing University)

Abstract

Although research has examined migrants’ attraction to religious environments in detail, the broader impact of loosely organized religions on migration patterns in highly secularized countries such as China has received relatively little attention. This study bridges this gap by developing a religious cultural similarity (RCS) index to quantify cultural similarities among 339 Chinese cities based on their distribution of religious sites. Analysis of 69,620 city pairs suggests that higher RCS between cities promotes migration in China. This effect varies according to regional religious setting: migrants from ancestor worship–dominated cities are least attracted by RCS. This study’s findings deepen our understanding of the cultural role of religion within secular contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Shukai Liu & Zhe Chen & Wen Ma & Zhuo Chen & Yunsong Chen, 2025. "Impact of religious cultural similarity on internal migration: a regional perspective in contemporary China," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-05272-2
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05272-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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