Population Research

Learning as Optimal Ageing Care: Constructing a Learning Service System for Older Adults in an Ageing Society

Wu Yushao, Li Jing

2025, 49(2): 3-16.

Asbtract ( )

PDF (1269KB) ( )

References | Related Articles | Metrics

China's older adult education initially emerged from the Retired Cadres University. As it subsequently became integrated into both the cultural-educational framework of ageing-related initiatives and the lifelong education system, it experienced rapid development. However, structural imbalances and insufficient supply have persisted as challenges. Against the background of constructing a learning society and implementing the national strategy to actively respond to population ageing, the learning demands of older adults continue to escalate. How to advance an older adult education system to meet the growing learning needs and adapt to the ageing society is an urgent question. Learning in later life constitutes both a fundamental right and a social responsibility, serving the mutual interests of individuals and society. Constructing a rationally structured and strategically focused learning service system for older adults is a prerequisite for expanding the supply. It is necessary to establish a system that incorporates basic education led by the government and developmental learning services provided by multiple stakeholders through facilitating the deep and organic integration of older adult education, prioritizing basic education for older adults, promoting the cultural education industry, improving public cultural services, and creating a friendly learning environment.

New Trends in Population Development, Important Missions for Population Research, and Priority Tasks in Population Work in China

Xie Donghong, Duan Chengrong

2025, 49(2): 17-31.

Asbtract ( )

PDF (1281KB) ( )

References | Related Articles | Metrics

Since the advent of the new era, China's demographic landscape has undergone profound changes, characterized by trends such as a continuous decline in total population, accelerated ageing of the age structure, steady improvement in population quality, significant regional population divergence, and enhanced interethnic interactions. These multifaceted trends have imposed higher demands on population research. As a result, population research should transition from “problem-solving” to “disciplinary foundation-building” and ultimately achieving “governance upgrading.” Responding to the challenges of the era, constructing an independent knowledge system in demography, and advancing innovative governance approaches and systemic transformations with Chinese characteristics have become the important missions of population research in the new era. To this end, population work needs to keep pace with the times. The priority tasks include: integrating data resources and deepening the application of big data technology; improving the fertility support policy system and perfecting the elderly care service system; coordinating educational reform and promoting the innovation of the mechanism for cultivating scientific and technological talents; clarifying the laws of migration transition and strengthening international migration governance; promoting ethnic integration and consolidating the sense of community for Chinese nation.

The Existence of Population Cushion in International Industrial Division and Its Implications for China

Wang Jinying, Zhang Jin

2025, 49(2): 32-49.

Asbtract ( )

PDF (1315KB) ( )

References | Related Articles | Metrics

Based on previous literature, this study elucidates the influence of population size on international industrial division and its mechanisms. Drawing on data from the World Bank and the World Trade Organization, this study further examines the impact of population size on countries' or regions' participation in the international industrial division. The results show that population size significantly promotes participation, dependence, and competitiveness in international industrial division, indicating a “room for maneuver” of population size. Countries or regions with larger populations are less dependent on the international industrial division and exhibit stronger competitiveness, while smaller countries or regions are more reliant on the international industrial division. In face of the long-term population decline, China should leverage its vast population and territory to capitalize on the room for maneuver in population size. Deepening domestic industrial division, enhancing productivity, and maintaining a complete industrial system could help improve participation and competitiveness in international industrial division, thereby promoting high-quality economic development.

The Potential Impact of Population Size on the Development of Artificial Intelligence Technology

Huang Qing, Xie Yu

2025, 49(2): 50-63.

Asbtract ( )

PDF (1280KB) ( )

References | Related Articles | Metrics

As a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation emerges globally, artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving at an accelerated pace, profoundly impacting global economic and social development as well as the advancement of human civilization. The study reveals that, unlike technological innovations of the Industrial Revolution, which primarily relied on experiments and physical models, AI development is inherently data-driven. A large population plays a crucial role in advancing AI technology, particularly by supplying abundant data resources, optimizing the cost of technology development, and accelerating the dissemination and application of innovations. As one of the world's most populous countries, China possesses unique competitive advantages in the AI sector, especially in terms of its vast data foundation, strong market demand, and diverse application scenarios. To further leverage population size as a driver of AI technology development, it is essential to enhance data infrastructure, optimize talent cultivation systems, promote the adoption and application of AI, and strengthen AI ethics and security regulations.

The Impact of Intergenerational Relationships on Cybersecurity Awareness and Behaviors among Middle-aged and Older Adults

Jin Yongai, Liu Yuhong, Xia Fangzhou

2025, 49(2): 64-80.

Asbtract ( )

PDF (1283KB) ( )

References | Related Articles | Metrics

With the widespread use of the Internet among middle-aged and older adults, online safety has become an important issue in the digital era. Using data from the Survey on Digital Division and Inclusion of Older Adults in China, this study reveals that middle-aged and older adults with closer relationships with their children tend to have higher cybersecurity awareness and engage in safer online behaviors. Further analysis reveals that digital knowledge transfer from children and subjective well-being mediate the relationship between intergenerational closeness and older adults' cybersecurity awareness and behaviors. Specifically, a closer intergenerational relationship increases the likelihood of middle-aged and older adults receiving risk-prevention information from their children and leads to higher subjective well-being, thereby enhancing their cybersecurity awareness and promoting safer online behaviors. The findings deepen our understanding of intergenerational relationships as a potential resource in the digital era. Policymakers aiming to improve digital literacy among middle-aged and older adults should consider the role of intergenerational ties and actively involve younger generations, fostering harmonious intergenerational relationships and encouraging “active digital reverse mentoring.”

The Impact of Internet Use Behaviors on Mental Health of Middle-aged and Older Adults and the Mediating Role of Social Relationships

Liu Tao, Gao Huizhi, Wang Yiran

2025, 49(2): 81-98.

Asbtract ( )

PDF (1323KB) ( )

References | Related Articles | Metrics

In an era characterized by both rapid development in information technology and population ageing, internet use has become a significant factor influencing the mental health of middle-aged and older adults. Using the nationally representative data, this study examines the mechanisms and age heterogeneity of internet use behaviors, including internet access, duration of use, and usage types, on mental health outcomes. This study found that using the Internet can reduce depression tendencies among middle-aged and older adults, with the expansion of social relationships serving as a mediating mechanism. Furthermore, the positive impact of longer internet use duration on mental health is achieved through the expansion of social relationships. Usage types exhibit divergent effects. Video entertainment type is associated with lower depression tendencies. In-depth informational use leads to a higher risk of depression, though social relationships mitigate this negative effect. Additionally, the impact of different Internet use behaviors on depressive tendencies varies among different age groups. The results provided empirical support for developing targeted mental health intervention strategies and optimizing the mental health service system under the Internet environment.

Evaluation and Adjustment of First Marriage Data in China's Censuses

Yang Liuqing, Guo Zhen, Peng Yuan

2025, 49(2): 99-116.

Asbtract ( )

PDF (1396KB) ( )

References | Related Articles | Metrics

Using data from China's 6th and 7th Censuses, this study assesses the accuracy of first marriage statistics, applies necessary adjustments, and explores their implications for analyzing marriage patterns. The findings reveal that trends in census-reported first marriages largely align with civil registration records but have been lower than those in civil records since 2010. Comparisons between the 6th and 7th Censuses reveal discrepancies in first marriage counts from 1980 to 2010. According to the 7th Census, the number of first marriages in 2010 was 2.53 times higher for males and 2.34 times higher for females than those recorded in the 6th Census. Data adjustments are crucial, as raw census data consistently underestimate historical first marriage levels nationwide and overestimate mean ages at first marriage. Adjusted data indicate notable shifts in China's first marriage patterns since 1980, with sharper declines in total first marriage rates and faster increases in the mean age at first marriage from 2010 to 2020.

How does Rural-to-Urban Migration Influence Subjective Well-being? Analysis Based on CFPS Data

Ye Anqi, Li Shiyuan, Ren Qiang

2025, 49(2): 117-132.

Asbtract ( )

PDF (1291KB) ( )

References | Related Articles | Metrics

Situated in the unique Chinese context of rapid urbanization and mass migration, this study draws on 4 waves of data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) spanning from 2012 to 2018, employing propensity score matching and weighted least squares regression to identify the causal relationship between rural-to-urban migration and subjective well-being, along with its intermediate pathways. The results show that rural-to-urban migration follows a positive selection process, with migrants exhibiting more advantageous socioeconomic characteristics before migrating; furthermore, such migration has a significantly negative impact on life satisfaction; social psychology, family relations, and working environment mechanisms partially account for the well-being deterioration caused by rural-to-urban migration; short-term and intra-provincial migration have more pronounced negative impacts compared to long-term and inter-provincial migration. Taken together, our findings inform effective policies designed to promote urban-rural integration and realize common prosperity, such as establishing a comprehensive well-being assessment system, improving social integration and solidarity within urban communities, developing family support and educational services, and regulating corporate employment practices.

Table of Content