The social status of women in China: Analysis based on age, period, and cohort effects

Abstract

The present study examined the social status of women in China by reviewing the levels and trends of objective and subjective socioeconomic status and gender role attitudes. We employed a hierarchical age–period–cohort analysis and used repeated cross‐sectional data from the 2010 to 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (N = 52,927), a nationwide probability survey. The study found that for both males and females, differences in age effects were more pronounced than period and cohort effects. Specifically, there were no significant gender differences in levels of education. However, women start at a lower level of occupational prestige and income than men. Particularly in late adulthood, the rate of decline in income is significantly faster for women than for adult men. Chinese women's gender role attitudes interact with their objective socioeconomic status. Subjectively, China's awareness and recognition of gender equality and women's rights and interests are increasing, but objective gender inequality still exists, and there are many challenges to be addressed.