Abstract

This research brings China's economic growth and growth of Christianity in post-Reform urban China into focus, at the very same time. Using interdisciplinary approach and employing research methods from both disciplines, this research explains the ways rapid economic growth has led to dramatic social transformation in urban China after the 1980s, which has resulted in significant shifts in the Chinese cultural and religious landscapes. Through conducting empirical testing of the 2007 Spiritual Life Study of Chinese Residents household survey, the research found out that family as a close-knit, culturally significant social network had the strongest influence on urban Chinese' decision-making of religious affiliation. Income alone did not have significant enough an impact on such decision. Chinese communist government was still perceived as a negative influence on religious affiliation with Christianity.

Advisor

Graham, Mark

Second Advisor

Burnell, James

Department

Economics; Religious Studies

Disciplines

Economics | Religion

Publication Date

2014

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2014 Zilu Wang