Out-Migration of Young Adults and Gender Division of Intergenerational Support in Rural China

Abstract

Using data from the baseline and follow-up surveys of "Well-being of Elderly in Anhui Province, China" conducted in 2001, in 2003 and in 2006, respectively, by the Institute for Population and Development Studies of Xi'an Jiaotong University, this paper employs random effects models to explore the gender division of intergenerational support in the elderly rural families. Analyses by parents' and children's gender suggest that there are gender differences in intergenerational support because of gender roles and division in family. Our analysis shows that older mothers receive more returns, which reciprocates their support, while older fathers benefit more from the out-migration of adult children. While sons take more responsibility for family support, daughters reciprocate support from their elderly parents more. Enhancement of the role and function of daughters in families has accompanied out-migration of young adults and suggests that gender differences in intergenerational supports between sons and daughters have decreased.