Clan strength and gender imbalance: the mediating role of the “Zhaodi” ratio

Abstract:  Purpose: To explore the relationship between clan strength and sex ratio, as well as the mediating role of the  "Zhaodi" ratio.  Methods: Data from 31 provinces in China were analyzed using the CFPS (2010) to obtain data on clan culture, and data from the Seventh Population Census in 2020 to obtain sex ratios. Results: (1) There were significant positive correlations between the two indicators of clan culture, the sex ratio, and the "Zhaodi" ratio (2) The “Zhaodi” ratio plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between clan strength and sex ratio. Conclusion: The “Zhaodi” ratio can mediate the relationship between clan culture and sex ratio. The clan strength reflected by the proportion of family trees and ancestral temples influences the sex ratio in the population structure by shaping people’s gender values and gender preferences.