My Parents and Me: Navigating the Role of Intergenerational Transmission on Policy Feedback

• 成果类型: Article; Early Access
• 署名作者: Guo, Yue; Xu, Zihan; Zhang, Qian
• 署名单位: Beijing Normal University
• 刊物名称: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0033-3298
• DOI: 10.1111/padm.13075
• 发表日期: 2025
• 关键词: social-policy; civic engagement; state; POLITICS; FAMILY; fertility; CHINA; REFORM; TRANSITION; attitudes

摘要

This study investigates the intergenerational transmission mechanisms of policy feedback, focusing on how past policies influence citizens' behavioral intentions across generations in the context of China's fertility policy changes. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies, we investigate how experiences with the one-child policy affect individuals' intentions under the current pro-natalist policy. Logistic regression analysis reveals that individuals whose parents complied with the one-child policy are less likely to intend to have more than one child. This effect is mediated by the weakening of traditional beliefs, such as raising children for old age and continuation of family lineage. A regression discontinuity design further confirms that individuals with parents subjected to stricter birth control measures exhibit lower intentions to have more children. These findings underscore the significance of intergenerational transmission in shaping citizens' attitudes and highlight the lasting impact of historical policy experiences on contemporary policy outcomes.