2014 Chinese Social Opinion Survey: Report

Abstract

Livelihood issues are an important part of national development and social management. Public opinion on livelihood issues can provide effective reference for the government’s work. The Social Survey Center of the Public Opinion Research Laboratory of Shanghai Jiao Tong University conducted a social opinion survey of 1080 residents in 36 cities around the country by means of telephone interviews. Survey results show that respondents were most concerned about matters relating to security and safety, with more than seven in ten respondents expressing concern with matters of social order and security, environmental pollution, and territorial security issues. On the other hand, they expressed the lowest concern levels with respect to policy-related issues. Respondents expressed the highest satisfaction levels for the government’s anti-corruption drive and the lowest with reference to property prices. Higher levels of satisfaction were registered from respondents with the central government in contrast to local governments. Six in ten respondents expressed optimism about anti-corruption efforts in future in China, while 60% believed that property prices are set to rise further. Over half of those surveyed stated that they have found it rather easy, or very easy to deal with their everyday expenses, and found it most difficult to make payments on their consumer loans on time. Respondents believed that the current time was a good time to purchase big-ticket household items although it was not a good time to purchase stocks.

Principal Investigator: Xie Yungeng.

Key authors: Liu Cong; Gao Yunwei; Liu Yi; Zheng Guangjia; Li Mingzhe.

Statistical analysis: Rong Ting; Qiao Rui; Zhang Xuyang; Liu Cong.

Other research team members: Liu Rui; Chen Wei; Qin Jing; Li Jing; Gao Lu; Wang Yaoyao; Jing Zhe; Yang Huifang; Zhang Xinmiao; Yu Qianqian; Wang Qian; Fu Wenjie; Shen Qian; Yang Qian.