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Population aging caused by a rise in the sex ratio at birth

Author

Listed:
  • Zhen Zhang

    (Fudan University)

  • Qiang Li

    (East China Normal University)

Abstract

Background: In the last several decades, notwithstanding its historical and biological stability, the sex ratio at birth (SRB) has risen in various parts of the world. The resultant demographic consequences are well documented and typically include ‘missing girls/women’ and the ‘marriage squeeze.’ However, the underlying mechanism and impact of the SRB on demographic dynamics have not been explored in depth. Objective: In this study, we investigate the impact of a rise in the SRB on the size, structure, and growth of a population, with a focus on population aging. Methods: We develop a simple methodological framework derived from classical stable population models to analyze how a rise in the SRB reduces population size and ages a population. Results: Cohorts born with a higher SRB are smaller than those born with a lower SRB. The smaller size of these cohorts leads to a reduction in the total population size, thereby increasing the proportion of cohorts of older persons born during periods with a lower SRB that are the same size as earlier cohorts. As cohorts continue to be born during the period with the higher SRB, their proportion in the population increases and the process of population aging accelerates. Contribution: This study shows that, in addition to fertility and mortality, the SRB can be a driving factor in population dynamics, especially when it rises well above normal biological levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhen Zhang & Qiang Li, 2020. "Population aging caused by a rise in the sex ratio at birth," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 43(32), pages 969-992.
    • Handle: RePEc:dem:demres:v:43:y:2020:i:32
    DOI: 10.4054/DemRes.2020.43.32
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    sex ratio at birth; population aging; stable population; models;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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