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Informal Institution Meets Child Development: Clan Culture and Child Labor in China

Author

Listed:
  • Tang, Can

    (Renmin University of China)

  • Zhao, Zhong

    (Renmin University of China)

Abstract
Using a national representative sample, the China Family Panel Studies, this paper explores the influences of clan culture, a hallmark of Chinese cultural history, on the prevalence of child labor in China. We find that clan culture significantly reduces the incidence of child labor and working hours of child laborer. The results exhibit strong boy bias, and are driven by boys rather than girls, which reflects the patrilineal nature of Chinese clan culture. Moreover, the impact is greater on boys from households with lower socioeconomic status, and in rural areas. Clan culture acts as a supplement to formal institutions: reduces the incidence of child labor through risk sharing and easing credit constraints, and helps form social norms to promote human capital investment. We also employ an instrument variable approach and carry out a series of robustness checks to further confirm the findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Tang, Can & Zhao, Zhong, 2022. "Informal Institution Meets Child Development: Clan Culture and Child Labor in China," IZA Discussion Papers 15616, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp15616
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    2. Yang, Jinyang & Chen, Xi, 2022. "Grandfathers and Grandsons: Social Security Expansion and Child Health in China," IZA Discussion Papers 15239, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    3. Wei Zou & Ruiqi Ma, 2024. "An Extended Family Perspective on Intergenerational Human Capital Transmission in China," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 174(3), pages 1101-1139, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    informal institution; clan culture; child labor; China;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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