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Surplus men and scarce women: The impact of mating competition on the desire for sons in China

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  • Zhiqiang Dong
  • Yaseen Alhaj‐Yaseen
  • Yang Jiao
  • Yuejun Zhong

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 the fertilization period as an instrument for sex ratio. Instrumental sex ratio negatively impacts son preference, offering strong support for our hypothesis.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhiqiang Dong & Yaseen Alhaj‐Yaseen & Yang Jiao & Yuejun Zhong, 2021. "Surplus men and scarce women: The impact of mating competition on the desire for sons in China," Pacific Economic Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(3), pages 339-371, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:pacecr:v:26:y:2021:i:3:p:339-371
    DOI: 10.1111/1468-0106.12349
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    Cited by:

    1. Qianqian Shang & Quanbao Jiang & Yongkun Yin, 2022. "How Does Children's Sex Affect Parental Sex Preference: Preference Adaptation and Learning," Working Papers wp2022_2202, CEMFI.

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