Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals
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TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
1-6
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
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ACCEPTED
03 February 2025
PUBLISHED
01 March 2025
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue03 2025
CITATION
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
Volunteering, Social Trust,
and Life Satisfaction in
China's Young-Old
Population: Urban-Rural
Disparities
Zhang Li
School of Social Work, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Abstract:
This study investigates the relationship
between volunteering, social trust, and life satisfaction
among the "young-old" (aged 60-74) in China, with a
particular focus on urban-rural differences. As China
undergoes
rapid
socio-economic
changes,
understanding the determinants of life satisfaction for
older adults is increasingly important. Volunteering,
social trust, and life satisfaction are interconnected
factors that influence the well-being of older individuals,
yet the effects of these factors might vary between
urban and rural populations. Using survey data from a
nationally representative sample of young-old
individuals, this study explores how volunteering
behaviors and social trust affect their life satisfaction
across different geographical contexts.
Keywords:
Volunteering, Social Trust, Life Satisfaction,
Young-Old, Urban-Rural Differences, Elderly Population,
China.
Introduction:
China, as the world's most populous
country, is experiencing a dramatic demographic shift
with an increasing number of elderly individuals,
particularly the "young-old" demographic, which
consists of those between the ages of 60 and 74. This
age group represents a significant portion of the aging
population, which is expected to continue to grow in the
coming decades. Life satisfaction is an important aspect
of quality of life, especially among older adults. The
factors that influence life satisfaction, such as social
engagement, volunteering, and social trust, have
received increasing attention in research over the past
decade.
Volunteering has been shown to provide older adults
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Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals
with a sense of purpose and social connection, which
can enhance their psychological well-being. Similarly,
social trust, which refers to an individual's belief in the
honesty and reliability of others, has been linked to
improved social relationships and greater satisfaction
with life. In China, the urban-rural divide significantly
impacts various aspects of life, including health,
income, education, and social networks. These
differences may affect how volunteering, social trust,
and life satisfaction manifest across urban and rural
settings.
This paper seeks to answer the following questions:
1.
How does volunteering impact life satisfaction
among the young-old in China?
2.
What role does social trust play in enhancing
the life satisfaction of the young-old?
3.
How do urban-rural differences influence the
relationships between volunteering, social trust, and
life satisfaction?
By addressing these questions, this research aims to
provide a deeper understanding of the socio-cultural
factors that contribute to the well-being of older adults
in China.
METHODS
This study uses data from the China General Social
Survey (CGSS), which is one of the most
comprehensive surveys on social issues in China,
including questions on health, family, work, and life
satisfaction. A total of 1,200 respondents aged 60-74
from both urban and rural areas were selected for this
study, with the sample equally divided between urban
and rural areas. The respondents were asked about
their volunteering activities, levels of social trust, and
general life satisfaction.
Key Variables:
1.
Volunteering: This variable was measured by
the frequency of volunteering activities in the past
year, including formal (e.g., working with NGOs) and
informal (e.g., helping neighbors or family)
volunteering.
2.
Social Trust: Respondents were asked to rate
their trust in others in society on a scale of 1 to 5, with
1 representing low trust and 5 representing high trust.
3.
Life Satisfaction: Life satisfaction was
measured using a single-item question asking
respondents to rate their overall satisfaction with life
on a scale of 1 to 10.
The data were analyzed using statistical methods,
including descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, and
multivariate regression analysis, to examine the
relationships between volunteering, social trust, and
life satisfaction in urban and rural settings.
RESULTS
The analysis found several key patterns in the
relationships between volunteering, social trust, and life
satisfaction, with notable differences between urban
and rural respondents.
1.
Volunteering and Life Satisfaction:
o
Urban
respondents:
Volunteering
was
significantly positively correlated with life satisfaction.
Those who volunteered at least once a month reported
higher life satisfaction scores compared to non-
volunteers.
o
Rural respondents: While there was a positive
correlation between volunteering and life satisfaction,
the effect was weaker than in urban areas. Rural
respondents who volunteered were somewhat more
likely to report higher life satisfaction, but the difference
was less pronounced.
2.
Social Trust and Life Satisfaction:
o
Urban respondents: Social trust had a strong
positive impact on life satisfaction. Urban residents with
higher social trust tended to report higher life
satisfaction, indicating that trust in others played a
significant role in their overall well-being.
o
Rural respondents: Social trust was also
positively associated with life satisfaction in rural areas,
but the relationship was weaker compared to urban
areas. This suggests that in rural areas, other factors,
such as community ties and family relationships, might
have a greater impact on life satisfaction.
3.
Urban-Rural Differences:
o
The results indicate significant urban-rural
differences in both the levels of volunteering and social
trust. Urban respondents reported higher levels of
volunteering, both formal and informal, and higher
levels of social trust. Rural respondents, on the other
hand, had lower levels of both volunteering and social
trust.
o
Additionally, the overall life satisfaction score
was higher for urban respondents compared to rural
ones, suggesting that urban living, with its greater
access to resources, social opportunities, and health
services, may contribute to higher well-being among the
young-old.
DISCUSSION
The results of this study highlight the intricate interplay
between volunteering, social trust, and life satisfaction
among the "young-old" (aged 60-74) in China, with
significant differences observed between urban and
rural populations. Understanding these relationships is
critical for designing policies and interventions aimed at
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Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals
improving the well-being of older adults, particularly as
China continues to experience rapid demographic and
socio-economic shifts. This section will delve deeper
into the implications of these findings, exploring why
volunteering and social trust have differing impacts on
life satisfaction in urban and rural settings and how
these dynamics reflect broader societal structures.
Volunteering and Life Satisfaction
The positive relationship between volunteering and
life satisfaction is particularly strong in urban areas,
where
the
availability
of
formal
volunteer
opportunities and the density of social networks
facilitate active participation in community life. Urban
areas offer a wealth of organized volunteer activities,
such as working with non-governmental organizations
(NGOs), supporting elderly care facilities, and engaging
in community development projects. These structured
activities not only provide social engagement but also
offer a sense of purpose, which is crucial for enhancing
the psychological well-being of older adults.
Volunteering in urban contexts, therefore, allows the
young-old to feel connected to the larger society,
contributing to their sense of belonging and
fulfillment.
In rural areas, the relationship between volunteering
and life satisfaction is weaker. This might be attributed
to the nature of volunteering in rural areas, which is
often more informal and community-based. While
volunteering still plays a role in fostering social bonds
and contributing to community life, these interactions
are less structured and may not provide the same
opportunities for self-actualization and social
recognition as formal volunteering activities in cities.
Rural communities often rely on family support
networks and traditional social structures, which might
reduce the need for formal volunteer organizations. As
a result, while volunteering in rural areas still has some
positive impact, it might not have the same
transformative effect on life satisfaction as it does in
urban settings, where individuals can access more
diverse and organized social roles.
Furthermore, in rural areas, older adults may be more
likely to engage in caregiving roles for extended family
members or neighbors, which, while socially
meaningful, may not provide the same sense of
autonomy and personal fulfillment as formal
volunteering. This difference in the types of volunteer
activities may explain the weaker impact of
volunteering on life satisfaction in rural areas
compared to urban ones.
Social Trust and Life Satisfaction
Social trust emerged as a significant predictor of life
satisfaction in both urban and rural settings, but the
strength of the relationship was more pronounced in
urban areas. This finding supports the notion that social
trust, or the belief in the honesty and reliability of
others, contributes to a sense of security and social
cohesion, both of which are crucial for well-being in
later life. In urban areas, where people often live in
more anonymous settings, high levels of social trust may
help individuals navigate the complexities of modern
life, fostering stronger social connections and a greater
sense of community. Trust in institutions, such as
healthcare and social welfare systems, is also more
prevalent in urban settings, which can further enhance
life satisfaction by providing a safety net for older
adults.
In rural areas, the weaker association between social
trust and life satisfaction suggests that trust in others
may play a less prominent role in shaping the well-being
of older adults. In these communities, close-knit family
ties and informal support systems may take precedence
over broader social trust. Older adults in rural areas may
rely more on family members for emotional and
financial support, which could reduce the importance of
general social trust. However, this reliance on family
could also create vulnerabilities, particularly in
households where family dynamics are strained or
where older adults live alone without adequate support.
Additionally, social trust in rural areas may be hindered
by lower levels of institutional trust, particularly in
relation to public services and social policies. The rural
elderly often face challenges related to inadequate
healthcare, lower access to education, and limited social
welfare programs, which may contribute to a sense of
mistrust toward state institutions and social systems.
This lack of trust could limit their engagement with
broader societal networks and reduce their overall life
satisfaction.
Urban-Rural Differences in Life Satisfaction
The study’s findings indicate that life satisfaction is
generally higher in urban areas than in rural areas, a
pattern that is likely influenced by a combination of
socio-economic factors. Urban residents tend to have
better access to healthcare, social services, and
recreational opportunities, all of which can contribute
to a higher quality of life. In contrast, rural residents
often face greater challenges, such as limited access to
medical care, lower levels of education, and fewer
opportunities for social interaction outside of their
immediate community. These structural disparities
create significant barriers to achieving high life
satisfaction among rural elderly populations.
The urban-rural divide in life satisfaction also reflects
the broader socio-economic inequalities in China. Rapid
urbanization has led to an expansion of resources and
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Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals
opportunities in cities, while rural areas remain
relatively underdeveloped. Older adults in rural areas
may experience greater isolation, economic insecurity,
and poorer physical health compared to their urban
counterparts, which can significantly detract from their
life satisfaction. Additionally, the lack of infrastructure
in rural areas, such as public transportation and
accessible community centers, can limit opportunities
for older adults to engage in social activities or access
healthcare services.
The disparity in life satisfaction between urban and
rural populations also points to the need for targeted
policies to address these inequalities. For example,
urban areas could benefit from further fostering social
trust and opportunities for volunteering among the
elderly, while rural areas might require more
infrastructure investment and improved access to
social services to enhance life satisfaction. Tailoring
interventions to the specific needs of both populations
could help reduce the urban-rural gap in life
satisfaction.
Implications for Policy and Practice
The findings from this study have important
implications for both policy and practice in improving
the well-being of the elderly population in China. Given
the positive effects of volunteering on life satisfaction,
especially in urban areas, there is a need to create
more structured opportunities for older adults to
engage in volunteer activities, particularly in rural
communities where such opportunities may be
limited. Volunteering initiatives that are designed to be
accessible and meaningful to older adults can
contribute to their sense of purpose and connection to
society, leading to improved mental health and life
satisfaction.
Social trust also plays a critical role in enhancing life
satisfaction, and efforts to increase trust in institutions
and society are crucial for older adults, particularly in
rural areas. Strengthening social safety nets, improving
healthcare
access,
and
fostering
community
engagement through local organizations can all
contribute to building trust and enhancing life
satisfaction among the elderly. Additionally, promoting
intergenerational connections and encouraging family-
based caregiving models in rural areas can help bolster
social trust and improve the well-being of older adults.
Finally, addressing the urban-rural divide in life
satisfaction requires comprehensive policy measures
that focus on improving infrastructure, healthcare, and
social services in rural areas. Policies that provide
better access to resources and opportunities for social
engagement in rural communities can help bridge the
gap in life satisfaction between urban and rural
populations.
The results of this study highlight the importance of
volunteering and social trust in enhancing the life
satisfaction of the young-old in China. Volunteering
appears to be a significant factor in improving life
satisfaction, especially in urban areas. This could be
attributed to the greater availability of formal volunteer
opportunities in cities, as well as the social networks
that volunteering fosters. In contrast, the weaker effect
of volunteering in rural areas may be due to the more
informal and community-oriented nature of social
interactions in rural areas, where extended family and
close-knit communities provide alternative sources of
social support.
Social trust, a key component of social capital, also
emerged as an important predictor of life satisfaction.
Urban respondents, who tend to have more access to
diverse social networks and institutional trust, reported
higher levels of social trust and life satisfaction. In
contrast, rural respondents may face challenges in
terms of trust due to fewer institutional supports and
more limited social interactions outside their immediate
community. This gap in social trust may explain why
rural residents report lower levels of life satisfaction
compared to their urban counterparts.
Moreover, urban-rural disparities in resources and
opportunities likely contribute to the observed
differences in life satisfaction. While urban areas
provide more opportunities for volunteering and social
interaction, rural areas are often characterized by
limited access to social services, healthcare, and other
support networks that are essential for the well-being of
older adults.
CONCLUSION
This study underscores the importance of volunteering
and social trust in enhancing the life satisfaction of the
young-old in China, with urban-rural differences playing
a significant role in these dynamics. In urban areas,
volunteering and social trust are key drivers of higher
life satisfaction, while rural areas face challenges related
to lower levels of both volunteering and social trust. The
findings suggest that policy efforts aimed at increasing
volunteer opportunities, fostering social trust, and
addressing the urban-rural divide in social support
systems could significantly improve the life satisfaction
of the elderly population in China. Further research is
needed to explore additional factors that may
contribute to the well-being of older adults, particularly
in rural contexts, where traditional support systems
may be eroding.
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