Zhiqiang Dong, Yaseen S. Alhaj-Yaseen, Yang Jiao, Yuejun Zhong
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引用次数: 4
Abstract
We conducted this research to explore the possible factors shaping son preference, with a view to understanding the persistently high male/female sex ratio. Using data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) and the Population Census of China, we find a significant impact of regional sex ratio on people’s preferences for the sex of their future children. Specifically, the extent of son preference decreases with the increase in the male/female sex imbalance in the local area. We also find that sex imbalance has a positive impact on a wide range of outcomes that capture the pressure on males to enter marriage markets, such as regional housing prices, the number of houses owned, and family economic status. This result is consistent with the view that greater sex imbalance exerts larger pressure on men in the marriage market, leading to changes in son preference. Omitted variable bias is addressed by using climate changes in the month preceding fertilization period as an instrument for sex ratio. Instrumental sex ratio negatively impacts son preference, offering strong support for our hypothesis.
期刊介绍:
The Pacific Economic Review (PER) publishes high-quality articles in all areas of economics, both the theoretical and empirical, and welcomes in particular analyses of economic issues in the Asia-Pacific area. Published five times a year from 2007, the journal is of interest to academic, government and corporate economists. The Pacific Economic Review is the official publication of the Hong Kong Economic Association and has a strong editorial team and international board of editors. As a highly acclaimed journal, the Pacific Economic Review is a source of valuable information and insight. Contributors include Nobel Laureates and leading scholars from all over the world.