ABSTRACT
This study investigates the intergenerational transmission mechanisms of policy feedback, focusing on how past policies influence citizens’ behavioral intentions across generations in the context of China’s fertility policy changes. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies, we investigate how experiences with the one-child policy affect individuals’ intentions under the current pro-natalist policy. Logistic regression analysis reveals that individuals whose parents complied with the one-child policy are less likely to intend to have more than one child. This effect is mediated by the weakening of traditional beliefs, such as “raising children for old age” and “continuation of family lineage.” A regression discontinuity design further confirms that individuals with parents subjected to stricter birth control measures exhibit lower intentions to have more children. These findings underscore the significance of intergenerational transmission in shaping citizens’ attitudes and highlight the lasting impact of historical policy experiences on contemporary policy outcomes.