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Family Size and Intergenerational Inequality: Evidence from China's One-child Policy

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  • Shuai Zhao

    (Shandong University)

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between family size and intergenerational inequality in China. We construct a fuzzy non-parametric regression discontinuity design by the exogenous variation in fertility caused by the one-child policy. Our findings present that the one-child policy only results in a downward jump in urban fertility but does not significantly affect rural areas. The empirical results further suggest a negative correlation between family size and intergenerational inequality, but there is no evidence for the causal effect. The role of siblings in sharing risks, son preference, birth-order effect, more accessible student aids or loans and relaxed budget constraints are potential explanations for no causal effect.

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  • Shuai Zhao, 2023. "Family Size and Intergenerational Inequality: Evidence from China's One-child Policy," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 165(1), pages 283-307, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:165:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s11205-022-03013-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-022-03013-5
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