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Longitudinal Changes in Chinese Prosociality
1Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China.
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|January 31, 2024
Summary
Chinese prosociality, including attitudes and behaviors, declined then rebounded, reaching a low around 2014. Economic inequality impacts prosociality, with attitudes playing a mediating role.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Understanding the evolution of prosociality in China is crucial for social development.
- Longitudinal data is needed to track changes in prosocial attitudes, tendencies, and behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively examine the longitudinal dynamics of Chinese prosociality.
- To investigate the relationship between economic inequality, prosocial behavior, and attitudes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the World Values Survey, 128 published studies, and China Family Panel Studies.
- Employed longitudinal analysis to track changes in prosociality over time.
- Examined the mediating role of prosocial attitudes in the inequality-behavior link.
Main Results:
- Observed a consistent pattern of decline followed by resurgence in Chinese prosociality, with a nadir around 2014.
- Economic inequality significantly relates to prosocial behavior but does not fully explain its fluctuations.
- Prosocial attitudes partially mediate the relationship between economic inequality and prosocial behavior.
Conclusions:
- Addressing economic inequality may foster societal-level prosociality in China.
- Prosocial attitudes are a key factor in understanding the impact of inequality on behavior.
- Further research is needed to identify other determinants of shifts in prosociality.
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