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

Lu Song, Soochow University
Shuzhuo Li, Xi'an Jiaotong University
Marcus W. Feldman, Stanford University

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 effect models to explore the gender division of intergenerational support in elderly rural families. Analyses from both parents’ and children’s perspectives suggests 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 compensate for their support, while older fathers benefit more from the out-migration of adult children. While sons take more responsibility for family support, daughters reciprocate more to support from their elderly parents. Enhancement of the role and function of daughters in families has accompanied out-migration of young adults, which suggests that gender differences in intergenerational supports between sons and daughters are reduced.