Cultivating equality: The effect of traditional farming practices on gender disparity in China

Abstract

This study explores the impact of labor demand in traditional farming on contemporary gender equality in China. We hypothesize that regions characterized by agro-climatic conditions favorable to labor-intensive crop cultivation historically fostered greater involvement of female family members in agricultural work. Such participation not only contributed to household income but also elevated women’s social status. To examine this hypothesis, we analyze county-level data on labor input requirements for major crops in China. The results indicate that regions with higher agricultural labor demand exhibit more balanced sex ratios at birth. Tests on potential mechanisms suggest that the historical need for female farm labor prompted shifts in gender perceptions, reshaping social attitudes and norms toward greater equity that persist to the present. These findings support the notion that the roots of contemporary gender equality can be traced to women’s historical participation in farming and highlight the importance of improving women’s access to land and labor market opportunities to address persistent gender disparities.