Journals
  Publication Years
  Keywords
Search within results Open Search
Please wait a minute...
For Selected: Toggle Thumbnails
The Situation, Influencing Factors, and Policy Responses to Singlehood, Childlessness, and Low Fertility in China: Findings from a Specialized Survey
Yang Fan, Guo Pinrui, Liu Jianan
Population Research    2024, 48 (2): 30-43.  
Abstract256)            Save
Changes in people's marital and fertility intentions and behaviors play a significant role in declining fertility rates. Based on data from a specialized survey, this paper investigates the intentions and determinants of marriage and fertility within distinct childbearing-age groups, concerning non-marriage or delayed marriage, childlessness or delayed childbearing, and low fertility, under the background of current fertility policies. It finds that the majority of individuals in these groups still wish to marry and have children. The main reasons for the divergence between their intentions and behaviors are the rising costs of marriage and childbearing, including economic and time costs. Furthermore, the impact of cultural and public opinion cannot be overlooked. Regarding the Three-child policy and supporting measures, over twenty percent of the married respondents consider them effective in boosting childbearing intentions. Reducing educational costs, providing child-rearing subsidies, and ensuring parental leave are the common policy demands. Therefore, it is crucial to reduce the costs of child-rearing for families through diversified economic support, establish a comprehensive lifecycle marital and childbearing support policy system, and convey positive marital and childbearing concepts through cultural development.
Reference | Related Articles | Metrics
Motherhood Penalty on Chinese Women in Labor Market
Yang Fan, He Yuchen
Population Research    2022, 46 (5): 63-77.  
Abstract925)      PDF (1268KB)(576)       Save
Using China Family Panel Study ( CFPS) data from 2010 to 2018 and an event-study framework, we explore the impacts of children on the dynamic trajectory of female labor force participation and hours worked. The results show that the arrival of the first child creates a sudden and substantial decrease in the employment and monthly hours worked. The impacts sustain until the child is 4 years old. Within 0 - 3 years after the birth of the first child the employment and the monthly hours worked decreased significantly. Nevertheless, after 4 years beyond the birth of the first child, there is no statistical difference in the employment and monthly hours worked compared with the pre-birth stage. Compared with women, there is no significant impact of children on the labor supply for men.Meanwhile, we provide evidence that the motherhood penalties on labor supply are following the law of diminishing marginal cost. We end with the heterogeneity analyses which show that the college-educated and younger cohorts experience smaller labor supply declines. This study helps understand the magnitude and dynamic trajectory of motherhood penalties in China and provides illumination for the family policy to help women balance family and work and families realize their fertility intention from a perspective of international comparison.
Related Articles | Metrics
Impacts of Children's Gender and Living Arrangements on Chinese Older Adults Support from Friend Networks
Zhao Menghan, Yang Fan
Population Research    2021, 45 (5): 91-103.  
Abstract554)      PDF (611KB)(179)       Save
Using data from China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey conducted in 2016, this study examines the influence of children's gender and living arrangements on Chinese older adults' friend network support under the framework of gendered double embeddedness. The results show that having no son negatively affects older men's, but not older women's, friend network support. Comparing to living with a partner only, co-residing with partner and son(s) is positively associated with friend network support for older men. The impacts of living arrangements vary across urban/rural areas and different regions. This study contributes to the literature on the relationship between family structure, living arrangements, and older adults' social support, and helps us recognize the most socially isolated older adults who might need more support.
Related Articles | Metrics
Physical Exercises of Chinese Older Adults and Social Participation:Health Promotion and Network Expansion
Yang Fan, Huang Yingjiao, Wang Fubaihui
Population Research    2021, 45 (3): 97-113.  
Abstract705)      PDF (1458KB)(404)       Save
Using data from China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey conducted in 2016, we perform binary logistic regression model to analyze the relationship between physical exercises and social participation of Chinese older adults. The structural equation modeling is used to estimate the mediating effects of subjective and objective health. Results suggest that frequent physical exercises significantly increase the probability of older adults’ social participation. Physical exercises affect social participation in both direct and indirect ways through health. The influence of physical exercises on social participation is different between urban and rural older adults, and is also moderated by age and marital status. This paper confirms the positive effects of physical exercises on older adults, and provides theoretical basis and policy implications for promoting the integrated development of sports and pension, and realizing active ageing and healthy China.
Related Articles | Metrics
Chinese Older Adults' Consumption Expenditure Structure and Its Determinants
Yang Fan,Pan Yue,Huang Yingjiao
Population Research    2020, 44 (5): 60-79.  
Abstract1050)      PDF (1125KB)(659)       Save
In the era of accelerated population aging, the proportion of older adults in the consumer group also increases tremendously. Based on data from China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, this article employs the analytical framework of Kotler's consumption behavior model and K-means clustering analysis method to categorize different types of consumption structure for Chinese older adults. Logistic regression method is conducted to analyze the factors affecting the consumption structure upgrading. The results show that the consumption patterns of the older adults are diverse, and their upgrades have not been hindered. The transformation from the basic to the developmental consumption structure is driven by demand factors and restricted by resource factors, and also supported by social networks, technology, and other external factors. These factors have heterogeneous impacts on older adults from urban/rural areas at different ages and income levels. These differences call for differentiated policies targeting on different subgroups.
Related Articles | Metrics
Effects of Informal Employment on Occupational Mobility Intentions of Migrant Workers
Yang Fan,Pan Yue
Population Research    2019, 43 (4): 97-112.  
Abstract258)      PDF (611KB)(288)       Save
Using job search theory and through bivariate logistic regression model, propensity score weighting analysis and structural equation modeling, this paper analyzes the differences of occupational mobility intentions among migrant workers in formal and informal employment, and the impacts of informal employment on their occupational mobility intentions. The results show that the two groups of migrant workers differ significantly in the personal characteristics, human capital and social capital. After controlling the selection bias, the informal employment migrant population has stronger occupational mobility intentions than the regular employment migrant population. However, the impact of informal employment on the occupational mobility intentions of migrant workers is different between different groups. Informal employment not only directly increases the occupational mobility intentions of migrants, but also indirectly increases their intentions of occupational mobility by affecting the working characteristics of migrants.
Related Articles | Metrics
Patterns and Determinants of Migrant Unemployment in China: An Analysis of Data of 2015 National One-Percent Population Sample Survey
Yang Fan, Du Shanshan and Tao Tao
Population Research    2018, 42 (4): 14-26.  
Abstract506)      PDF (281KB)(541)       Save
As the floating population grows rapidly and China's economic development enters the new normal,unemployment of the floating population has gradually aroused public concern.Based on the research framework of the push-pull theory of migration,this study examines the unemployment situation of the floating population in China using the data of the 1% sample survey of the national population in 2015.Logistic regression model is used to study the factors affecting the unemployment risk of the floating population.A growing trend of unemployment of the floating population has been observed.The unemployment rate of the floating population reached 4.9% in 2015.In addition to individual characteristics,factors related to the place of origin and destination,and the migration process also significantly affect the unemployment risk of the floating population.Therefore,policies addressing the issue of unemployment of the floating population need to incorporate migration policy with employment policy,improve availability of diversified jobs for the floating population,and enhance their capacity in job mobility across industries and occupations.
Related Articles | Metrics
Re-examining China's Provincial Socioeconomic Development and Fertility Change
Tao Tao,Jin Guangzhao,Yang Fan
Population Research    2017, 41 (6): 33-44.  
Abstract475)      PDF (1354KB)(520)       Save
This study explores the relationship between China??s provincial total fertility rate(TFR) calculated from census data and adjusted by scholars in 1982,1990,2000 and 2010 and the provincial human development index (HDI). China experienced rapid increase in the HDI and continuous decrease in the TFR at all provinces and shrinking regional disparities in both of them. The two variables are negatively correlated while the inhibition effect of HDI on TFR is gradually decreased. After dividing regions by different policy types,we find that the two still have negative correlation and without Showing a J-shape relation in different category of regions,although Shanghai,Beijing and Tianjin have reached the very high human development level which exceeds 0. 788 in 2010. Unlike some western developed countries,China??s fertility level does not turn to rise with the socioeconomic development. Without adjusting fertility policy,the fertility level of all the provinces would continue declining with the socioeconomic development. A timely releasing of fertility policy can effectively restrain further decline of TFR
Reference | Related Articles | Metrics
The Influence of Women's Life Course on Their Son Preference#br#
Yang Fan
Population Research    2017, 41 (2): 17-29.  
Abstract451)      PDF (180KB)(516)       Save
The traditional conception of son preference is the primary reason of the high sex ratio at birth in China. Women are victims of the son preference tradition,and they have experienced many life events of gender inequality throughout their life courses. How did these events affect women's gender conceptions? Based on the theory of life course,this paper explores the influence of women's life course on their boy preference by analyzing the 2016 survey data on family and fertility. Results indicate that the effects of these gender inequality events in different stages of women's life would accumulate,making women gradually perceive their unequal status in family and society,which increases the probability of women's son preference. Moreover,the timing and the sequence of these events would also exert an influence on women's son preference. In the end,this paper proposes some policy recommendations for weakening women's son preference based on the research findings.
Reference | Related Articles | Metrics
Determinants of Parenthood Attitude toward Adult Children’s Second Birth under the Two-Child Policy: The Case of Beijing
Tao Tao, Yang Fan, Zhang Xianling
Population Research    2016, 40 (3): 90-100.  
Abstract529)      PDF (181KB)(1475)       Save
This study aims at investigating parenthood attitude toward adult children’s second birth under the“two-child”policy based on the Beijing Empty Nest Family Survey in 2015.The survey shows that the elderly present high awareness rate of the“two-child”policy; old parents who support,oppose to,or hold the idea of non-interference to their married children’s second birth account for one third re- spectively; almost 70% of the elderly would support their adult children’s second birth through economic assistance or child care; utilitarian purposes,such as old age care,are no longer primary reasons for second birth; economic cost,concern about mothers’or baby’s health and lack of child care resources become the top three factors preventing second birth.Having a good relationship with adult children, good health condition and being currently married have a significantly positive effect on parenthood support- ive attitudes toward adult children’s second birth; open-minded idea on endowment,education and duration of the empty nest period significantly reduce the probability of the elderly to support children’s second birth; and no significant effect is found with gender,age,economic condition and preferable place for old age life.
Related Articles | Metrics
Selectivity,Tradition or Acculturation: The Effect of Migration on Son Preference of Rural Reproductive Women
Yang Fan, Tao Tao, Du Min
Population Research    2016, 40 (2): 50-62.  
Abstract419)      PDF (160KB)(1079)       Save

The large-scale population migration is changing the child-bearing concepts of rural women,and weakening the traditional son preference for children. This paper reviews relevant theories about the effect of migration on the child-bearing concepts,analyzes the survey data and compares the difference of son preference among rural reproductive women who never migrated and those who had migration experiences when controlling for the selection bias of migration.This paper further examines the effect of their experiences of migration with or without husband on son preference.Results indicate that there is a significant difference of son preference between rural women who don’ t have migration experience and those who have.On one hand,this difference is partly a result of the selectivity of migration; on the other hand,it is because migration modernizes the child-bearing concepts of rural women and weakens their son preference.However,the traditional culture of the outflow regions still influences the gender preference of rural women through families and communities.

Related Articles | Metrics
Wage Differentials between Formal and Informal Employment of Migrant Workers: Based on Propensity Score Analysis
Yang Fan
Population Research    2015, 39 (6): 94-104.  
Abstract1731)            Save
Using multiple propensity score methods,including propensity score geedy matching,propensity score optimal matching,propensity score weighting and matching estimator,this paper analyzes wage differentials between formal and informal employment of migrant workers. The results show that the two groups of migrant workers differ significantlly in education,work experience and other personal chracteristics.Resulting from these selection biases,the t test and the OLS regression would overestimate the average treatment effect of formal employment on wage. After controlling the selection biases,there are statistically significant wage differentials between the two groups,which confirms the market segmentation between formal and informal employment and the discrimination against informal employmee in the labor market of floating population.
Related Articles | Metrics
Cited: Baidu(10)
An Exploration of Family Happiness Development Index
Tao Tao,Yang Fan,Zhang Huanjun,Zhao Menghan
Population Research    2014, 38 (1): 63-76.  
Abstract1387)      PDF (453KB)(2182)       Save
Utilizing data collected in the survey of China’s Family Happiness Development Index by Renmin University of China and China Population Welfare Foundation,this article explores the factors affecting the happiness of China’s families. There are four dimensions of the factors affecting family happiness:
income and housing estate are the most important factors in economic dimension; physical and mental health is the foundation of a happy family; higher education,better relationship and more leisure will increase the happiness level; better social security and social network will secure the family happiness. Differing from the existing Happiness Indexes which evaluate happiness from individual level or regional level,this article focuses on‘family’as the study object to construct the‘Family Happiness Index’to evaluate the capability of becoming happier instead of assessing the status of happiness. Based on the four dimensions,including economics,health,civilization and society,this index consists of 35 indicators with a combination of subjective and objective factors.
Related Articles | Metrics
Cited: Baidu(3)
China’s Fertility Level since 2000: A Reestimation
Yang Fan, Zhao Menghan
Population Research    2013, 37 (2): 54-65.  
Abstract2130)      PDF (1018KB)(1443)       Save
China ’s recent fertility  level  is a long  standing puzzle. Scholars have  started to  question  the accuracy  of  official fertlity  data and have heated discussions on the fertility  rate  since  1990 . Deficiencies in the 2000  census data made the fertility  issue  more  complicated. As the  data  of  the 20 10  census  have  been published ,it  is of  great  importance to evaluate the latest data to estimate the fertility level since 2000 . This paper  examines ,evaluates and compares the 2000  and 20 10  censuses  data ,latest  data  from  education  and public  security ,and  reestimates  China ’s  fertility  level  since 2000 . Total  fertility  rates  have  stood  at  more than  1. 6  since 2000  in  China.
Related Articles | Metrics
Exploration and Establishment of the Chinese Model of Demographic Transition
Yang Fan, Zhai Zhenwu
Population Research    2012, 36 (1): 25-33.  
Abstract2297)      PDF (232KB)(1422)       Save
Exploration of Chinese paths of socialist construction and demographic transition paralleled each other from 1949 to 1978.Mortality rate decreased rapidly during the early 1950s as a result of the public health campaign,which initiated the process of demographic transition in China.Countering the problem of rapid population growth in 1950s,China put forward the theory and the concept of "realizing planned childbearing",and the Chinese model of demographic transition was brewing.Orientation of the Chinese path of demographic transition was reinforced in the 1960s in the context of intensifying contradiction between population and socio-economic development.Finally,China launched the demographic transition by vigorously implementing population control and family planning in the 1970s in the midst of "Cultural Revolution" when the rapidly increasing size of population exerted great pressure on economic development.The Chinese path of demographic transition is determined by the changing characteristics of the times and China’s special national conditions.
Related Articles | Metrics
Persistence and Innovation——The Research on the Evolution of CPC Leaders’ Population Thoughts
Zhai Zhenwu,Yang Fan
Population Research    2011, 35 (4): 45-55.  
Abstract1970)      PDF (158KB)(1112)       Save
The leaders of CPC cleared their attitudes toward family planning in 1962 and answered the question whether population-control policies should be carried out in socialist society.Since then,in the guidance of Marxist theory,according to the concrete practice of China’s population development,the leaders of CPC not only adhered to the answer that population control policies should be implemented in socialist society,but also gave creative answers to the questions about the purpose and means of population control.The population thoughts and theories,based on the answers to the questions about population control,which are the complement and enrichment of the Marxist population theory,are important components of socialist population theory and significant theoretical results of Marxism Sinicization.
Related Articles | Metrics
Exploration and Development——the Evolution of CPC Leaders’ Thinking on Population Issues
Zhai Zhenwu, Zhang Xianling, Jiang Mei, Yang Fan
Population Research    2011, 35 (3): 56-63.  
Abstract2207)      PDF (138KB)(1024)       Save
This article reviews the evolution of CPC leaders’ thinking on population issues during the Period of New Democratic Revolution and Socialist Construction.People are the subjects of social activities,and hence population theory is an essential part of the Marxist Theory.It has been a great concern of the CPC to apply Marxists’ population theory to investigate China’s population issues and explore the approaches of population development in the process of carrying out socialist revolution and constructions.In the early years of the CPC,its leaders criticized the viewpoint of "the overcrowding problem",which ensured the right direction of revolution.After the success of the revolution,the CPC has correctly recognized the law of population development,creatively put forward the notion of family planning,population control and accommodating population reproduction to material production.This has not only created a favorable population circumstance for the construction of socialism,but also made important contributions to the enrichment and development of Marxist population theory.
Related Articles | Metrics
The Impact of China’s Family Planning Policy on Demographic Transition
Tao Tao, Yang Fan
Population Research    2011, 35 (1): 103-112.  
Abstract3052)      PDF (249KB)(1976)       Save
This paper attempts to estimate how many births were averted in China by the family planning policy.Using country-level data from World Population Data Sheet from 1980 to 2008,regression models are constructed between economic,social and demographic variables from more than 140 countries without any family planning policy,total fertility rate(TFR) being the predicted variable.Different population trends are generated from population projections using estimated and actual TFR.Regression analysis yields a predicted TFR of about 2.5 in China in 2008 under the condition of no family planning policy.There were 458 million births were averted in China between 1972 and 2008 by the family planning policy,excluding the impact of economic and social development.
Related Articles | Metrics