关键词: 生命历程, 生育次数, 生育-就业轨迹, 序列分析, 健康的性别差异

Abstract: China has recently implemented strategies of actively addressing population ageing and healthy China. In this context, understanding the health disparities among mid-aged and older adults from the life course perspective improves lifelong health service policies. Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study（CHARLS）and sequence analysis, this study constructs parity-employment trajectories. Seven trajectories are identified for both men and women, as well as a male-specific trajectory of remaining unmarried and childless while working, and a female-specific trajectory of giving birth to one child and leaving the workforce early. Among younger birth cohorts, more individuals have only one or two children, while fewer have three or more children. Moreover, a higher proportion of women leaving the workforce early is found among younger cohorts. Further analysis shows that an increase in the number of births has a negative effect on the health of mid-aged and older women while leaving the workforce early is detrimental to the health of both men and women.

Keywords: Life Course, Number of Births, Parity employment Trajectory, Sequence Analysis, Gender Differences in Health