Understanding generational shifts and democratic support in China: value change vs. life satisfaction

Generational change is often viewed as a key driver of major sociopolitical transformation, yet there is little consensus on why generations differ in their political attitudes. This lack of agreement poses a particular challenge in studying generational effects in China, a society experiencing rapid social and political change. This study examines two theoretical perspectives—the value-change and life-satisfaction approaches—to explain generational differences in democratic support. Using data from a recent nationwide survey, we identify two major cohorts in China: the pre-economic takeoff and post-economic takeoff generations. The empirical evidence supports the life-satisfaction approach, suggesting that democratic support in China is shaped more by generational differences in perceived material well-being than by fundamental value change.