Chinese Journal of Sociology ›› 2017, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (2): 106-132.

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Redistribution and the Change of Class Differences of Subjective Well-Being, 2005-2013

HONG Yanbi   

  1. Department of Sociology, School of Humanities, Southeast University
  • Online:2017-03-20 Published:2017-03-20
  • Supported by:

    The research was supported by Humanities and Social Sciences Fund of Ministry of Education (15YJC840009), The Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2242016S30045), The Co-Innovation Center of Civil Morality and Social Custom, The Think Tank of Morality Development, and The Research Center of National Moral Survey.

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Abstract:

Using CGSS2005 and CGSS2013, this paper analyzes the class differences of subjective well-being (SWB) between 2005 and 2013, and attempts to explore the effects of state redistribution capability on this change. First, the longitudinal comparison finds that the SWB of all classes improved significantly during that period, however, due to the potential measurement issues, such a conclusion should be regarded with caution. Second, the differences between occupational classes can be explained by variations in income and education. Nevertheless, the model R2 in 2013 is much smaller than the R2 in 2005, indicating a possible change in the pattern of SWB formation. Third, the degree of SWB improvement of lower classes is significantly higher than middle- and upper classes (managers and professionals). An analysis on satisfaction in year-to-year comparison also shows a significant decrease of satisfaction among managers and professionals from 2005 to 2013. Fourth, HLM analyses reveal that the enforcement of state redistribution ability plays an important role in the changes of classes differences on SWB. Under the relatively low level of state macro tax collection and redistribution of 2005, the increased ability of both tend to benefit high income groups more; while at a much more effective level of 2013, the reinforcement of state macro tax collection and redistribution appear to have the same effects on all income groups across the board. These results show that the state redistribution power has somewhat a limited impacton SWB of different income groups. This could be indicative of a new phase in Chinese social structure, in which the power of redistribution plays a strong role on individuals' life choices and well-being.