Local Governance Quality and Trust in Government: The Serial Mediation Effect of Perceived Social Fairness and Subjective Well-being

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the relationship between citizens' trust in government (TiG) and the local governance quality (LGQ), considering the influence of perceived social fairness (PSF) and residents' subjective well-being (SWB) as intermediate factors. The study utilized data from the 2021 Chinese Social Survey (CSS) and employed structural equation modelling (SEM) for analysis. The results indicate that LGQ positively impacts TiG through PSF and SWB mediating factors. Specifically, as LGQ improves in China, residents experience increased social fairness, enhancing SWB and subsequently strengthening their TiG. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of the TiG-LGQ relationship, offering practical insights for improving national leadership and governance by promoting social fairness, justice, and overall well-being.