The impact of subjective intergenerational mobility on well-being: evidence from China

Although social mobility has been shown to be essential for subjective well-being, empirical evidence on the relationship between subjective intergenerational mobility and well-being in the developing world is relatively limited and needs to be more comprehensive and conclusive. The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of subjective intergenerational mobility on the well-being of Chinese residents. Using data from the China Labor Force Dynamics Survey conducted from 2012 to 2016, the results revealed an upward trend in the subjective intergenerational mobility of Chinese residents. Specifically, subjective intergenerational elasticity increased from 0.264 in the 1950s to 0.390 in the 1980s. Subjective intergenerational mobility positively influences well-being. In particular, it exerts an indirect positive effect on the well-being of Chinese residents through the self-evaluation of health and social inequality. This study also proves that the subjective Great Gatsby Curve exists in China. The practical implications of this research are that the human capital of Chinese residents should be improved and that restrictive institutional systems should be discontinued to improve residents' subjective social status.

Chong Lu, Guangkun Chen