Rong Chen is a Professor at the Asian Demographic Research Institute (ADRI), Shanghai University. She is interested in employing quantitative and qualitative methods to understand the Second Demographic Transition in China. Her research has been mainly focused on the changes in family behaviors in China, including the new characteristics, causes, influence and trend of marital behavior in big cities, and childbearing intention and childbearing behavior in low fertility society.
▶Download CV ✉ chenrong@shu.com
Selected Publications
Chen, R. (2025). Study on the changing trend and mechanism of first marriage pattern in China's big cities: An analysis based on Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Social Sciences of Beijing, (8), 115–128.
Chen, R., & Gu, B. (2025). The trends in marriage and childbearing behaviors in China's big cities during the second demographic transition. Youth Exploration, (1), 38–50.
Chen, R. (2023). The trend of childlessness in Shanghai: The applicability of the second demographic transition theory. Chinese Journal of Population Science, (3), 68–81.
Chen, R. (2023). A study on the marriage delay trend and its impact of the young population in big cities. China Youth Study, (4), 43–52.
Rong Chen and Baochang Gu, 2021. The law of population changes in Low Fertility Society and Its Countermeasures——fertility intention and fertility behavior in low fertility society: evidence from Shanghai. Exploration and Free Views (7): 70-79.
Chen Rong and Gu Baochang, 2020. An analysis of families actually having a second child: based on the survey in Shanghai. Chinese Journal of Population Science (5):116-125.
Chen, R. (2020). Comparative study on the transition of fertility desire of different groups in Shanghai. Population Journal, (1), 17–29.
Rong Chen. Study on the trend of fertility intention and fertility level in big cities in China. Publish by Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press. 2020.
Teaching Courses
Teaching Courses: Social Research Methodology
Objectives: This course is an in-depth training course in social science research theory and methodology. It focuses on the application of basic principles of social research and quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques, and is not limited to the philosophical methodological principles behind empirical research. Topics of discussion include selecting and clarifying research questions, forming hypotheses, conceptualizing and measuring variables, collecting data, and analyzing and interpreting data.
Teaching Courses: Introduction to Demography
Objectives: This course introduces the fundamental concepts, theories, and methods of demography, covering population structure, change, and projection. It helps students understand the relationships between demographic phenomena and social, economic, and environmental factors, and master techniques for demographic data processing and projection. Students will apply these theories and methods to research and practice, and develop awareness of population changes in China and globally, fostering a strong sense of social responsibility.
Teaching Courses: Family sociology
Objectives: This course systematically examines the structure, functions, and modernization of the family as a fundamental social unit, covering classical theories, family transitions, structures, functions, relationships, and marital institutions. Adopting both global and localized perspectives, it analyzes trends in marriage and family development among urban and rural residents in China. The course guides students to uncover the modern value of traditional Chinese family culture, address challenges of contemporary family transformation, and expand global perspectives through cross-cultural comparison.
Teaching Courses: Sociology in Daily Life
Objectives: This course introduces core sociological concepts and theories and applies a sociological lens to everyday life. Topics include sociological perspectives, culture, socialization, social interaction, family and marriage, social groups, organizations and networks, and social stratification and mobility. Through case studies, students learn to apply theory to real-world issues, explore the interplay between social structure and individual choice, and develop a holistic understanding of how social norms, institutions, and power dynamics shape behavior and opportunity in contemporary life.