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Expanding boundaries: The Impact of kindergarten availability on women's employment in China

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  • Fang, Guanfu
  • Miao, Liya

Abstract

This paper examines the causal effects of kindergarten availability on female employment outcomes in China. Using a regression discontinuity design based on the eligibility rules for kindergarten attendance, we find that kindergarten eligibility increases the probability of rural mothers working in non-agricultural sectors and their working hours in non-agricultural sectors, mainly by reducing time spent on agricultural and unpaid domestic work. However, we do not find a significant effect for urban mothers, possibly due to the availability of private childcare options. We also show that the impact of kindergarten eligibility on rural mothers' non-agricultural employment is stronger for those from low-income households, nuclear families, and with high exposure to traditional gender norms. Moreover, we provide evidence that kindergarten eligibility increases the non-agricultural employment of co-residing grandmothers in rural areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Fang, Guanfu & Miao, Liya, 2024. "Expanding boundaries: The Impact of kindergarten availability on women's employment in China," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:labeco:v:88:y:2024:i:c:s092753712400037x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.labeco.2024.102542
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Developing country; Female employment; Kindergarten eligibility; Regression discontinuity design;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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