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Internet Use and Fertility Behavior among Reproductive-Age Women in China

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  • Nie, Peng

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Peng, Xu

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Luo, Tianyuan

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

Abstract

Using longitudinal data from the 2014–2018 China Family Panel Studies, we investigate the impact of internet use (IU) on fertility among reproductive-age women. We find that IU reduces the number of children born, with more pronounced effects among those with a moderate level of education, those aged 16–19, rural residents, and those who are married. These results are robust to alternative IU measures and a series of estimation approaches that control for endogeneity. IU participation affects the number of children born through decreased marital satisfaction, changed attitudes toward traditional gender roles, a reduction in the importance placed on ancestral lines, deteriorated health and reduced fertility preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Nie, Peng & Peng, Xu & Luo, Tianyuan, 2022. "Internet Use and Fertility Behavior among Reproductive-Age Women in China," IZA Discussion Papers 15766, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp15766
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    fertility; internet use; reproductive-age women; China;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • 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
    • R20 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - General

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