A Collectivism Index for Investigating Cultural Variation in China across Regions and Time

Scientific Data 2026 Open access

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Authors: Liuqing Wei, Thomas Talhelm, Jiong Zhu, Alexander Scott English, A. W. Huang
DOI: 10.1038/s41597-026-06661-1
Cited by: 1
References: 44

Abstract

We created a collectivism index to measure regional differences in China. The index uses eight Census indicators that reflect family living arrangements, marriage stability, innovation, and independence. The Census data offers large, nationally representative data, which ensures high-fidelity measurement and fine-grained geographic resolution from provinces down to prefectures (N = 356). The data also allows researchers to track change over time because the data stretches from 1982 to 2020. This dataset is useful for exploring causes of societal differences, outcomes of collectivism, and cultural shifts in longitudinal data.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Cultural Differences and Values China's Socioeconomic Reforms and Governance Culture Economy and Development Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Scientific Data
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
13
Issue
1
Publication date
17 February 2026
Language
EN